Barkatullah University’s EC member objects cement work around trees on campus

BHOPAL: Carelessness while constructing pavements on Barkatullah University campus choking trees to death, has raised concerns not only from green crusaders but from within the varsity itself.
In a clear case of violation of the National Green Tribunal principal bench orders, pavements have been constructed on both sides of the main entrance road at the university leaving no space around fully grown trees.TOI report on Sunday had brought forth the violation.
Raising objections, a member of executive council (EC) has raised the issue with the higher officials of the universities. Talking to TOI, EC member Kishan Suryavandhi said that he has raised the issue with the vice chancellor prof R J Rao. “The VC has assured that proper action will be taken to save the trees,” said Suryavanshi.
To initiate the action, a complaint will be filed against the contractors of the road construction company.
On Sunday morning, Suryavanshi visited the spot. “It is a serious matter. The VC has also expressed concerns over the issue. We will work together to ensure that no tree is choked to death.”
NGT’s principal bench in its 2016 order had categorically instructed that no cement work should be done at least 1m around the small trees and minimum 2.5m in case of bigger trees. But, the university failed to implement it by cementing the base.
Environmentalist Subhash Pandey said, “This is killing of trees. NGT has made it clear that such construction around the trees should not be done. Such approach is unexpected from an university.” When contacted, BU’s registrar, Ajit Shrivastava said, “You have brought the issue in our notice. I will ask the officials to check about it.”