150 trees face threat of felling in Bhopal:Employees green groups announce Chipko protest against food building project in MP Nagar area

After the Ayodhya Bypass and Ratnagiri areas, preparations are now underway to cut down around 150 trees in MP Nagar, Bhopal, for the construction of a new Food Building. The trees, many of them 40–50 years old, include Peepal and Banyan species. The proposed felling has sparked protests from environmentalists as well as government employees. In response, protesters have announced a ‘Chipko Movement’, during which they will symbolically hug the trees to oppose their removal. ₹64-crore building proposed, total cost may reach ₹100 crore The MP Warehousing Corporation has proposed a six-storey Food Building costing ₹64 crore. Including facilities, the total expense is estimated at ₹90–100 crore. The building is planned on the Weights and Measures Controller’s office land in MP Nagar. While the Warehousing, Food Directorate, and Weights Measures already have government buildings, only the Civil Supplies Corporation (NAN) operates from a rented office. Chipko Movement during lunch break MP Weights and Measures Officers–Employees Struggle Committee president Umashankar Tiwari said employees and environmentalists will protest by hugging trees on Thursday. The demonstration will be held during the lunch break, with participants wearing black armbands. Tenders issued, old building to be demolished ‘Heavy spending for one department unjustified’ Tiwari said spending nearly ₹100 crore mainly for NAN is unjustified, especially when other departments already have their own buildings. He warned that departments may have to operate from rented offices for nearly three years, incurring additional costs. Employees will continue protests wearing black armbands. Offices shifted out seven years ago