Nagpur: After months of debate and a series of accidents, authorities removed two Gulmohar trees standing in the middle of the busy Besa-Pipla main road on Tuesday night, bringing relief to commuters and motorists.Several mishaps had been reported at the spot over the past few months. The recent accident on Monday night renewed calls for removal of these trees. Despite the risks, authorities had earlier held back from taking action due to strong objections from environmental activists.A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official told TOI that all mandatory procedures were followed before the trees were cut. “We identify and mark trees based on their location and whether they fall within the road alignment. A public notice is issued, and objections, if any, are considered. Only after discussions and due approvals do we proceed,” the official said.He added that compensatory plantation will be undertaken in line with norms. “The ratio generally depends on the size and type of tree. In this case, we will plant 14 trees as compensation. Once the road work is completed, we will take up fresh plantation along the stretch, either through PWD or the Nagar Panchayat, which will also benefit pedestrians,” he said.Officials noted that certain species like banyan and peepal trees require additional consideration due to their ecological and cultural significance. The move has drawn mixed reactions from residents. N Cherian, a Pipla resident, said the trees could have been preserved through alternative measures. “Instead of cutting the trees, authorities could have barricaded them properly. Now, compensatory plantation must be ensured,” he said.Dinesh Sonawane, a local shopkeeper, welcomed the decision, stating that it has significantly improved traffic flow. “There is much more space now, and movement has become smoother,” he said.Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat chief officer Bharat Nandanwar said, “Earlier, some activists had raised objections when the road construction began. Over the past few months, we completed all necessary procedures and documentation before finally removing the trees,” he said.
