Durgapur, West Bengal – In a controversial move, authorities have undertaken large-scale felling of 30-40-year-old trees along the Gandhi More to City Centre stretch in Durgapur. The tree removal is part of a road-widening project but has sparked widespread concern among environmentalists and residents.
The indiscriminate deforestation has displaced countless birds, including fledglings, and other wildlife, leaving them without shelter in the biting winter cold. This action comes at a time when Durgapur's air pollution levels have surpassed even those of Delhi, raising alarms about the potential worsening of air quality due to the loss of these trees.
In response to the deforestation, the Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha (West Bengal Science Forum) from the Paschim Bardhaman district organized a protest and submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Durgapur.
The memorandum demands an immediate halt to unscientific and unplanned tree cutting and urges the authorities to adopt environmentally sustainable urban planning practices. “The ecological balance of Durgapur is under threat. Immediate action is necessary to protect the city's natural environment,” stated a representative from the forum.
The SDO of Durgapur assured that discussions with concerned stakeholders would be initiated promptly, and appropriate measures would be taken to address the issue.
Experts warn that such deforestation, coupled with rising pollution levels, could lead to severe health and environmental consequences for Durgapur’s residents. The local community and environmental activists have urged the government to prioritize sustainable development practices to mitigate further ecological damage.
Environmental advocacy groups are expected to intensify their efforts in the coming days, demanding stricter regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem of Durgapur.
