By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Mar: State Public Works Department (PWD) and the Dehradun district administration have strongly refuted news reports published yesterday in some newspapers regarding a proposed protest rally against ‘felling of trees’ for widening of New Cantt Road in Dehradun. In a clarification issued by the PWD, it has been claimed that the ongoing and proposed road widening works on Cantt Road are being undertaken without causing any damage to the trees.
According to PWD, the first phase of the approved project, covering the stretch from Salawala Bridge to Vijay Colony Bridge, is currently in progress and is being executed without harming even a single tree. The PWD has also stated that for the second phase, approval is being sought for the widening of the road from Dilaram Chowk to Salawala Bridge, and this too has been proposed in a manner that ensures no damage to existing trees along the route.
Taking cognisance of the media reports and public concerns, Ompal Singh, Superintending Engineer, Ninth Circle, PWD Dehradun, conducted a detailed inspection of the project site with regard to possible damage to trees. Following the inspection, strict instructions were issued at the site to ensure that no tree is harmed during the execution of the construction work and that the project adheres strictly to the approved work plan.
It may be recalled that on 1 March, various organisations under the banner of Citizens for Green Doon had organised an awareness rally for environmental protection. During the rally, slogans such as “Vada Yaad Dilao” and “Ek Bhi Ped Katne Nahin Denge” were raised, with a call for the preservation of trees along Cantt Road. The PWD claims that the organisations participating in the protest had not bothered to seek any clarification from the administration and the PWD before staging the protest. The PWD has categorically denied any reports suggesting that trees are being felled for the purpose of road construction.
The department has reiterated that it remains fully committed to maintaining environmental balance and safeguarding the green cover in the city. It has assured the citizens and the organisations that no tree will be damaged during the widening of Cantt Road. Officials have emphasised that the project design itself has been prepared in such a manner that existing trees are protected and that engineering adjustments have been incorporated to avoid felling of the existing trees.
It may be reminded here that the issue has drawn significant attention on digital media platforms, where concerns over urban tree loss and shrinking green spaces in Dehradun have frequently surfaced in recent years. Various environmental groups and activists have been raising concerns against tree felling for road projects.
On the other hand, urban planners assert that balancing infrastructure development with environmental sustainability has become a critical challenge for fast-growing hill cities such as Dehradun. With rising vehicular movement and expanding residential zones, road widening projects are viewed as necessary to ease congestion. At the same time, the city’s green cover has historically been regarded as one of its defining features, contributing to air quality and overall liveability. Experts suggest that transparent communication, environmental impact assessments and community engagement are essential to maintaining public trust in such projects.
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