Residents protest tree-cutting

Residents and activists of the city gathered at Sector 17 to register their protest against the decision to cut off 60 trees for construction of the overbridge from Hotel Taj to KC Theatre in the area.

People hugged trees,carried placards and made a human chain to raise the issue of saving trees. The event,titled Save 60 — Chipko Movement,witnessed a turnout of more than 100 residents. Recently,the administration gave permission to cut 60 trees to the Municipal Corporation. Construction of the overbridge was on hold because of the trees.

The protestors said there was no need for construction of such an overbridge as the traffic was not as high on this particular stretch. Apart from residents,organisations like the Environment Society of India,Global Environment Concern,Yuva Dharti,Art of Living,Sankalp and others also participated in the protest. A long human chain was formed around trees marked to be cut. People hugged trees in groups and spread across both sides of the road.