Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu on Wednesday launched a city-wide campaign to identify dry and dangerous trees, citing increasing complaints that several trees had either dried up or tilted precariously, posing a major safety risk.
Kicking off the drive from Phase 4, Sidhu said, “We have received multiple complaints from different phases of Mohali regarding dry and unsafe trees. From today, the process of removing such trees will begin”.
The Mayor announced the formation of a special committee to oversee the campaign. It will include municipal councillors, environmental protection committees, resident welfare associations, and forest department officials. “This committee will not only identify dried-up trees but also those affected by disease or posing potential danger,” he said.
Sidhu assured residents that all hazardous trees removed will be replaced with fresh plantation. “Protecting the environment is our responsibility, but ensuring the safety of people and property is our foremost priority,”he emphasised.
Highlighting recent incidents, Sidhu noted that in the past week, several large green trees had suddenly fallen across major roads, disrupting traffic.“These trees are now a serious threat to the city, and urgent action is unavoidable,” he said.
The Mayor also mentioned that the municipal corporation had earlier passed a resolution to reduce the height of trees that had grown over 60 to 70 feet, but the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had not granted approval. “The matter is still under process, and future action will follow government directions,” he clarified.
Sidhu appealed to Mohali residents to promptly inform the Municipal Corporation about any dry or unsafe trees in their areas so that quick action can be taken.