Calls Grow to Restore Green Cover in City’s Key Corridors

Speedy Summary

• The National Highways Authority of india (NHAI) and Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have cut down a considerable number of trees for infrastructure projects.

– NHAI removed trees on the Edapally-Palarivattom NH 66 Bypass corridor as part of flyover and underpass construction.
– KMRL felled 669 trees for road widening to extend the Kochi Metro towards Kakkanad.

• Public demand has increased for compensatory afforestation, urging both agencies to plant ten times the number of saplings cut, in compliance with guidelines.

• C.M. Joy,former member of Ernakulam’s Tree Committee and Kerala Nature Protection Council president,stressed the importance of replanting efforts due to potential environmental threats like water shortages,oxygen decline,temperature rise,and increased pollution caused by reduced tree cover.

• Both NHAI and KMRL stated that funds for planting mandated tree numbers have been allocated or deposited with social forestry authorities; efforts will adhere to social-forestry guidelines near project sites like Kalamassery metro yard in Kochi.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The indiscriminate cutting down of hundreds of trees highlights an ongoing tension between urban infrastructure development and environmental sustainability in India. While projects such as flyovers or metro extensions are vital for alleviating congestion in cities like kochi, they come at a significant ecological cost-a reduction in tree cover that provides critical services such as pollution control and shade. Proactive compliance with compensatory afforestation requirements is essential not only as a regulatory duty but also to ensure long-term urban resilience against climate challenges like heat stress and water scarcity.

Public pressure on agencies such as NHAI and KMRL indicates growing awareness about preserving green spaces while fostering development goals-an encouraging sign towards balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Implementation transparency will be crucial; ensuring survival rates for replanted saplings rather than mere plantation statistics should become an emphasized focus under social forestry programs funded by these agencies.

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