6,000 trees to be felled for 41-km road in Bhopal:New alignment for Western Bypass approved; Indore distance to cut by 21 km

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has criticised the large-scale felling and “relocation” of trees in Bhopal and Sagar, warning that such actions destroy the environment. This comes at a time when the state government has approved the Rs 4000 crore Western Bypass project, which will require cutting or shifting more than 6,000 trees. Officials say they are trying to reduce environmental damage, but experts argue that the loss of thousands of mature trees cannot be replaced quickly. Court’s strong remarks on pollution and tree loss The MP High Court said people in the state are “fortunate” to have clean air and greenery. The judges stated that if officials stayed for a few days in polluted states, they would understand the importance of trees. Officials told the court that 112 of the 244 trees in Bhopal had been transplanted. They also presented photographs of the transplanted trees. The court was angered after seeing the pictures.It said that such transplanted trees do not survive and eventually die. Government clears 41-km western bypass The state government has approved the 41 km-long Western Bypass for Bhopal. More than 6,000 trees will be cut or shifted for this road. According to officials, the new alignment has been planned so that environmental damage is kept to a minimum. Forest land provided for compensatory afforestation About 90 hectares of land in Amjhara village has been handed over to the Forest Department. This is meant for compensatory afforestation. Environmental experts say this is not enough. They argue that cutting 6,000 old and dense trees will cause major ecological damage. Planting new saplings cannot make up for this loss in the short term. The state government has also issued administrative approval for Rs 2981 crore out of the total Rs 4000 crore project cost. Why the bypass alignment was changed Earlier, the bypass was planned from Ikaya Kalan near Mandideep to Fanda. The new plan starts from Pratapgarh (near 11 Mile) and ends at Fanda Kalan. The forest area on the route has reduced from 6.1 km to 5.45 km. Officials say the route was changed to protect the buffer zone of Ratapani Tiger Reserve and an old Shiva temple in Samasgarh. However, sources say there is another reason. According to them, the earlier route passed through lands owned by several politicians, officials, and influential people.The alignment was allegedly changed to protect their properties. Former minister Deepak Joshi complained directly to the Prime Minister’s Office. He claimed the alignment was changed to benefit influential people. 6463 trees to be cut or shifted For the project, 416.25 hectares of land will be acquired. This includes nearly 45 hectares of forest land. Government records show that 6463 trees will be cut or relocated.These trees are located in green belts across Kolar and Huzur tehsils. The Forest Department has allowed the felling with conditions.As part of these conditions, 90 hectares in Amjhara has been allocated for growing new trees. Plans for wildlife safety near Ratapani The new route passes close to the buffer zone of Ratapani Tiger Reserve. Special measures will be taken to protect wildlife, especially tigers. Viaducts for tiger movement A total of 1480 metres of viaducts will be built at six locations. These elevated bridges will allow animals to cross safely under the road. Soundproof Fencing The bypass will have soundproof barriers. Fencing of 10 metres height will be installed on both sides. This will prevent animals from coming onto the road and reduce noise disturbance. Major benefits of the western bypass Despite environmental worries, the bypass is expected to provide four major advantages. 1. Time and fuel savings Vehicles heading to Indore will not need to enter the city.Their travel distance will reduce by 21 km.A journey of 90 minutes will take only 30 minutes. 2. Faster connectivity The bypass will link to the under-construction Indore–Bhopal–Jabalpur Greenfield 6-lane highway.This will make freight movement smoother. 3. Less traffic inside Bhopal Heavy vehicles will avoid entering the city.This will reduce traffic jams for residents. 4. Direct access to the airport Vehicles from Jabalpur, Mandideep, and Narmadapuram will reach the airport directly without entering the city. Land acquisition to start in January The project has received in-principle approval.Final approval will be given at the Board of Directors meeting next month.Once approved, land acquisition will begin in January. Land will be acquired from 23 villages for the project.