Ahmedabad: In a surprising move that has left locals fuming, the civic body in in process of bulldozing through Saurabh nursery in Memnagar packed with more than 250 full grown trees to make way for an auditorium hall. In consolation, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has pulled a fast one by quietly allotting a plot miles away in Shilaj at a token rent of Rs 250 a day to a nursery worker to plant more than 250-odd saplings!
The 8,806-sq m plot, opposite the Sharad Mehta Garden in Memnagar, has been home to fully matured trees since 1995 when they were planted as an effort to provide green relief for the area. "Around 256 trees will be chopped to make way for an auditorium," says a senior AMC official.
According to Memnagar's Town Planning Scheme (TP) 1, this plot, No. 393, was designated for a school and playground. However, since 1995, the state government has used this plot for afforestation, resulting in the growth of numerous large trees. "Locals frequently use this area for morning walks and the AMC has established a nursery here to prepare saplings for distribution," adds the senior AMC official.
AMC sources reveal that Memnagar and its surrounding areas lack an auditorium hall. Consequently, an MLA proposed constructing an auditorium on this plot, prompting AMC to begin the process of changing the plot's designated purpose. If approved, this plan would necessitate the removal of over 250 trees and the relocation of the nursery. Initially, it was estimated that 100 trees would need to be cut, but a recent survey identified 256 large trees on the plot that would have to be removed.
On Nov 14, the standing committee decided to allocate space in Shilaj's TP Scheme 216, Final Plot No. 93, to an individual for a nominal rent. "This plot will be provided at a daily rate of Rs 250, with plans to plant saplings and enhance greenery. The applicant, who has been working on contract at Saurabh Nursery in Memnagar since 2014 and has 40 years of nursery experience, has requested this allocation due to the impending closure of Saurabh Nursery," states the proposal placed before the committee.
The standing committee has initiated the process to permanently close Saurabh Nursery, planning to build an auditorium hall in its place. This will involve cutting down over 200 trees, which may lead to local opposition due to the area's current greenery and the nursery's presence.
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