Trees being poisoned to clear space for construction in Bhopal:Trunks drilled and chemicals injected; forest dept launches probe

Known for its beautiful lakes and lush greenery, Bhopal city has always expanded its boundaries and infrastructure while preserving it’s heritage and natural surroundings. However, the city’s green cover is now facing a serious threat as there are several spots wherein greedy builders and owners of the plot are eying to dry the trees and subsequently erect buildings. Bhaskar English visited at Professor’s Colony and found it that there is a quiet but deliberate attempt to damage the environment for personal greed. Ironically, the colony is very close to the Chief Minister’s residence, where this act of environmental damage is underway. Bhaskar English representative, found that contractors and landowners are using a disturbing method to kill trees silently. Small holes are being made into the trunks of healthy and mature trees, and fatal chemical being injected inside them. Within a few weeks, the trees begin to wither and eventually heading die. We found that there were half a dozen trees that were injected with a toxic substance and that have started drying. BMC clueless about incident When Bhaskar English brought the incident to the attention of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Sanskriti Jain, she offered a routine assurance, saying, “Whatever matter you have brought into our notice, we will go through it, inquire into it, and if it is found to be true, then suitable action will be taken accordingly.” Locals claim similar patterns in other parts According to local information, a similar pattern is emerging in other parts of the city. Holes are allegedly being drilled into tree trunks, after which chemicals are injected to poison them. Within a few weeks, the affected trees begin to wither and die. Once declared unsafe or dead, obtaining permission to cut them down reportedly becomes significantly easier. Environmentalists have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, urging authorities to take strict action against those found responsible. The incident raises serious questions about urban development practices and the protection of Bhopal’s fragile green ecosystem. Responding to the issue, Nitin Saxena, an environmental activist from Bhopal, said, PCCF takes action Based on the compliant file by the Environmental Activist to the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force, Madhya Pradesh, Vijaykumar N. Ambade on February 18, has ordered an investigation into allegations that trees in Professor Colony and New Market areas of Bhopal were illegally poisoned and later cut without permission. Taking the matter seriously, the PCCF has directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), General Forest Division, Bhopal, to conduct a detailed inquiry under environmental rules and the Madhya Pradesh Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan Adhiniyam, 2001 (MP Tree Preservation Act, 2001). The DFO has been instructed to submit an investigation report within three days, along with the opinion of the Conservator of Forests, Bhopal Circle. The order also calls for appropriate legal action, including registration of an FIR if violations are confirmed. This will be really interesting to see if this inquiry and investigation brings some fundamental changes in the mindset of the people including forest officials, or like in the most cases, this will be proved an eye-wash.