Residents Rally Against Tree Removal for Stadium Pavilion in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a significant environmental stand, residents of the Cidco area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have lodged a formal objection against the proposed felling of trees at Garware Stadium. The objection targets a plan to construct a new south pavilion, which residents argue would destroy a vital green lung and oxygen hub for the community.
Formal Objection Submitted to Multiple Authorities
The residents made their stance clear through a written representation submitted on Saturday. The document was addressed to key officials, including the commissioner of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC), the director of the garden department, the principal chief conservator of forests, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the tree authority. This action was prompted by a public notification published in a local newspaper on Thursday, which outlined the tree-felling proposal.
The residents emphasized that Garware Stadium serves as a crucial green environment, regularly used by them for morning walks and other recreational activities. They described the area as essential for citizen health and well-being, providing a natural respite in the urban landscape.
Ecological Concerns Over Decades-Old Trees
At the heart of the protest is the planned removal of several decades-old, fully grown trees to make way for the south pavilion. Residents strongly oppose this, warning that it would adversely affect the ecological balance of the area. They argue that such mature trees play a critical role in maintaining local biodiversity, air quality, and climate regulation.
In their objection, the residents pointed out that the stadium already has a north pavilion and a west pavilion, both of which are not being fully or properly utilized. They questioned the necessity of constructing a new pavilion when existing infrastructure could be developed, improved, and beautified instead.
Advocate Amitabh Singh, a resident, stated, "The municipal corporation can develop and beautify the existing two pavilions instead of making a third at the cost of nature and ecological balance." Another resident, Suresh Todkar, echoed this sentiment, calling the tree felling unjustified.
Call for Public Hearing and Reconsideration
The signatories have urged the authorities to reconsider the proposal and protect the existing trees at the stadium premises. They have also requested a public hearing before any final decision is taken, ensuring community input in the matter. The objection letter was signed by multiple Cidco residents, with their names, addresses, and mobile numbers provided as part of the submission to demonstrate collective concern.
Civic Body's Response and Next Steps
When contacted, civic body authorities confirmed receiving the objection. They indicated that on Monday, a team led by a senior official would examine the spot in accordance with established procedures related to tree-felling permissions and public objections. This step is part of the regulatory process to assess environmental impact and community feedback before proceeding with any construction.
The residents' protest highlights growing awareness about urban green spaces and ecological preservation in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. It underscores the tension between development projects and environmental conservation, with the community advocating for sustainable alternatives that prioritize natural assets.
