MC unmoved as trees get axed mysteriously

Despite indiscriminate axing of trees at a public park near railway crossing at Shastri Nagar without permission, the municipal corporation (MC) continues to turn a blind eye to the menace. Several trees were axed recently at a public park that falls under the MC, but the officials concerned claimed that no tree was axed.

On the other hand, a non-government organisation (NGO), Watavaran Sambhal Society, has now written to the police commissioner to register a case against the persons responsible for axing the trees. The NGO members also demanded that the deputy commissioner and district forest officer look into the matter and take required steps.

NGO members claimed that around 15 trees were axed at the park recently by some unidentified persons. The residents have also expressed ignorance about axing of trees. Sources said the trees were axed during last week.

HT had also highlighted the issue of axing of trees in its report: “Inquiry into axing of trees at park sought”. MC executive engineer Surinder Kumar claimed that no axing of trees had taken place
and only pruning of trees was done. He claimed that an official was sent to inspect the park.

When informed that the HT had photos of axed trees, Kumar assured to inspect the matter again.
NGO chief Jagjeet Singh Mann said, “We have written to the police commissioner to register an FIR into the case. The claims of MC are baseless, as officials should visit the park first, and then make any comment.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the MC has not marked numbers on each tree falling in its jurisdiction. HT had also highlighted that the horticulture wing of MC had failed in providing numbers on the trees planted by it in different areas due to which trees were being axed without permission.