Controversy arises over felling of trees for public parks in Bandipora

BANDIPORA — Roads and Buildings Department Sumbal in northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district has invited tenders to axe scores of walnut and mulberry trees to pave the way for the construction of two public parks—a move that has anguished the locals.

Office of the Executive Engineer R&B, Division Sumbal recently invited tenders from approved contractors for the cutting down of trees. The trees are located on the land of under-construction public parks in Hilalabad Nesbal and Markundal areas.

Locals have expressed concern, asking the administration to re-look at their decision to cut down scores of walnut and mulberry trees.

As per locals, there are over 70 walnut trees at Hilalabad Nesbal and it won’t be productive to cut them down. They appealed to the LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to look into the matter.

Attempts to contact District Magistrate Bandipora didn’t materialize, however, SDM Sumbal told the news agency KNT that the step has been taken in the larger public interest.

Executive Engineer Mushtaq Ahmed in response to a question said that tenders have been invited on the directions of Deputy Commission Bandipora. “Trees will be axed for the construction of public parks,” he added.