Durgapur is witnessing heated debates over the ongoing road expansion project, which involves cutting down numerous trees, some of which are over 50 to 60 years old. While the development project aims to improve urban infrastructure, environmental activists have raised serious concerns about the potential ecological damage.
The West Bengal Science Forum has taken a firm stand against the mass tree-cutting, urging authorities to adopt scientific methods for such activities. They submitted a memorandum to the administration, emphasizing the need for large-scale replanting to compensate for the ecological loss. However, the organization has expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's response, stating that the replanting initiative lacks proper involvement of environmental groups and transparency in its execution.
The administration has assured that replanting efforts will proceed alongside the road expansion, with designated areas already identified in the city for this purpose. Despite this assurance, the Science Forum remains unconvinced, arguing that discussions with environmental organizations and local stakeholders are necessary to ensure a balanced approach to development and conservation.
The Forum has claimed that nearly 8,000 trees are at risk of being cut under the current plan. This, they argue, will not only disrupt the city's ecosystem but also threaten the lives of birds and other wildlife that depend on these trees.
To protest the issue, the West Bengal Science Forum's Paschim Bardhaman district committee organized a demonstration in front of the Asansol-Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) office today. Addressing the gathering, Forum leaders highlighted the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation while pursuing urban development.
District Secretary Kallol Ghosh, speaking at the protest, remarked, "While economic development is essential, it cannot come at the cost of our environment. The administration must ensure scientific tree-cutting and involve environmental organizations in the replanting process. Only then can we achieve a balance between development and ecological preservation."
The Forum has urged the administration to act immediately to save the city's environment and implement replanting efforts in collaboration with experts and environmental groups.
