Actor and environmental advocate Saiyami Kher has expressed deep anguish over the felling of 200-year-old trees near her Nashik home. The trees, located on a hillside adjacent to her family property, were cut down as part of a road widening project, sparking outrage among local residents and environmentalists.
Emotional Appeal for Conservation
Kher took to social media to share her distress, posting images and videos of the felled trees. "My heart is breaking," she wrote. "These trees have been standing for over two centuries, witnessing generations of life. To see them cut down in a matter of hours is devastating." She urged the Nashik Municipal Corporation and state authorities to halt further felling and explore alternative routes that would preserve the remaining trees.
Community Backlash and Calls for Action
Local residents have also voiced their opposition, forming a human chain around the remaining trees to prevent further cutting. According to reports, over 50 trees have been felled so far, with at least 30 more slated for removal. The road widening project aims to ease traffic congestion in the area, but critics argue that the loss of heritage trees outweighs the benefits.
Environmental Impact of Losing Ancient Trees
Environmental experts highlight that trees of this age provide critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, air purification, and habitat for wildlife. "A 200-year-old tree can absorb up to 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide annually," said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a botanist at the University of Pune. "Their removal not only affects local biodiversity but also contributes to climate change."
Authorities Respond
The Nashik Municipal Corporation stated that the road widening is necessary for public safety and that a tree census was conducted prior to the felling. However, Kher and activists dispute this, claiming that many heritage trees were not included in the survey. The corporation has promised to plant 500 new saplings as compensation, but Kher called this "inadequate."
Celebrities Rally Support
Several Bollywood celebrities, including Farhan Akhtar and Dia Mirza, have expressed solidarity with Kher. Mirza, also an environmental activist, tweeted: "Saiyami, we stand with you. Our forests are not obstacles to development; they are our lifelines." The incident has reignited debates about sustainable urban planning in Nashik, a city known for its vineyards and green spaces.
