In a move that has sparked widespread concern and outrage, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation is set to auction 400 green trees on June 5, ironically coinciding with World Environment Day. The auction is being held to clear the way for development projects, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and concerned citizens.
Trees Targeted for Auction
The trees slated for auction range from five to 80 years old and are located in two primary areas. An advertisement dated May 28 from the U.P. Forest Corporation indicated the intention to auction 308 trees obstructing construction at the Ashok Leyland complex in the Sarojini Nagar industrial area. Additionally, 92 trees at the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) regional workshop in Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, are also marked for auction. The auction will take place at 11 a.m. on Kursi Road, Lucknow.
Environmentalists Sound the Alarm
Environmental activists argue that the removal of these trees will exacerbate the severe heat stress in the affected areas. They highlight the critical role trees play in mitigating urban heat and supporting biodiversity, particularly in a summer that has already seen record temperatures and claimed several lives due to heatwaves.
Authorities Defend the Decision
Davinder Singh, divisional sales manager of the U.P. Forest Corporation, stated, “We have sought a no-objection certificate from the U.P. forest department last month.” When questioned about the possibility of relocating the trees instead of felling them, Singh mentioned that relocation had been considered but ultimately deemed unfeasible.
The trees to be auctioned include various species such as peepal, neem, sheesham, babool, banyan, eucalyptus, bauhinia variegata (kachnar), jamun, albizia lebbeck (shirisha), golden shower (Amaltas), ficus racemosa (gular), madina, and chilbil.
Outcry from Environmental Groups
Environmental organizations and activists have condemned the decision, pointing out the irony of felling trees on a day dedicated to environmental protection. They have accused the authorities of neglecting alternative solutions that could prevent the loss of these vital green assets.
A coalition of environmental groups met recently to discuss the issue, urging forest department officials to reconsider the decision. Ravindra Singh Bishnoi, chief of Bishnoi Paryavaran Samiti, stated, “This decision is not just a blow to our environment but a direct threat to public health. This regressive step should be reviewed and needs to be overturned by the government.”
The Role of Trees in Urban Areas
Trees are essential in providing shade and cooling, especially in urban areas where heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The potential felling of 400 trees in Lucknow underscores a broader conflict between development and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions that balance both needs.
As World Environment Day approaches, the call for protecting these trees becomes ever more poignant, reminding us of the vital role trees play in our ecosystems and our lives.