Contentious 3cr road work under fire for ‘cementing death of trees’

Bhopal: The contentious 1.8 km cemented road project linking SoS to Awadhpuri, built by PWD at a cost of Rs 3 crore, promised improved connectivity and smoother travel for residents of city suburbs, but the construction method now threatens dozens of longstanding trees lining the route after delays and rows over safety.The road's construction crew poured concrete directly around the bases of the trees, encasing their root systems. Tree roots, which spread wide and deep to anchor the plant and draw water and nutrients, required porous ground to breathe and expand. The cement barrier blocked oxygen, water infiltration and nutrient exchange, and reduced stability by limiting the roots' ability to grip the earth.Experts in urban forestry warned that within 2-5 years many of the trees could topple, posing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians during winds, monsoons or even mild storms. "Soon trees will get fungus and later it will die. This is nothing but the killing of trees," said environmentalist Rashid Khan. Local residents voiced outrage. "These trees have shaded our evening walks for 30 years," says Arti Patel, a housewife. "Now, with no breeze and scorching sun, it's unbearable—especially for kids playing nearby." Commuter Prashant Kumar adds, "The road is nice, but if trees fall during rains, it'll be chaos. We pay taxes for progress, not destruction!" Elderly resident Ram Verma laments, "They were like family; concrete killed their roots overnight. Who's thinking of our health and birds' homes?" The situation was described as an example of development overriding ecological concerns. Mature trees such as neem, peepal or banyan, common in Madhya Pradesh, took generations to grow and helped sequester carbon, mitigate urban heat islands and reduce pollution. "Their loss could worsen area's environmental conditions, including rising temperatures and diminished biodiversity," said another resident Prakash Gupta. When contacted, PWD chief engineer Sanjay Maske did not respond to the calls and texts sent to him. The Rs 3 crore investment risked higher future costs through remediation measures such as tree removal or replanting. Suggested responses included root aeration techniques, protective barriers and integrating tree pits in future designs, experts said on the case.