One down, how many more before it’s too late?

The full-grown neem tree uprooted on Kasturba Gandhi Marg in New Delhi area has led many to question the very manner of trench digging, that is posing a threat to the survival of such trees.

The full-grown neem tree uprooted on Kasturba Gandhi Marg in New Delhi area has led many to question the very manner of trench digging, that is posing a threat to the survival of such trees.

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Delhi Transco have dug a long and wide trench for laying cable right besides the neem trees in front of Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan on that road.

While one tree succumbed after Sunday night’s rain aggravated the problem, it has become a matter of survival for others in the row.

A furious Ajay Mahajan from NGO Kalpavriksha said, “Neem trees have a tremendous root system. The roots must have been cut and exposed during digging. There is no business to be digging near old trees.”

Claiming that this is not a stand-alone incident, Mahajan said, “As this is done pretty regularly, there is a need for certain norms or guidelines. Trees need to have an inviolate zone, including for their roots.”

Delhi Transco has dug a large trench between the road (KG Marg) and the footpath, for laying cable towards the new electric line substation off Firozshah Road, for New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

Other trees on the stretch stand precariously, too, with their roots exposed at several places.

And it is not just environmentalists who are questioning the action.

Roy Suwarna, who works in Connaught Place, says, “Tree -lined avenues are Delhi’s USP. Death of even one tree is a
huge loss. I fear that such mindless digging will harm more trees.”

NDMC spokesperson Anand Tiwari said, “We have given them permission for open and cut method for this stretch for 1-1.5 metres. But it seems they have dug far more.”

However, Rishi Raj, Delhi Transco’s public relations officer claimed, “We have not strayed beyond what NDMC has permitted. If they have any objections, they should suggest an alternative route.”

Raj added, “For preventing similar incidents with other trees in the row, Transco has now compacted the surroundings with earth fill, wherver necessary,” Raj added.