Dehradun: An attempt to cut down a bamboo grove at Lansdowne Chowk in Dehradun -- which environmentalists say is nearly a century old -- was foiled on Tuesday after local vendors intervened. The incident comes amid growing concerns over the city's shrinking green cover and days after activists protested against the proposed felling of around 700 trees on the Kimadi-Mussoorie route for road widening.
Forest Department Denies Knowledge
The forest department denied any knowledge of the felling attempt and said no permission had been granted. Mussoorie DFO and acting Dehradun division in-charge Amit Kanwar said, “Bamboo is not a protected plant, but this is a large grove and no permission has been granted from our side to cut it.” Officials added that the grove stands on government land and said the possibility of encroachment cannot be ruled out.
Vendors Raise Suspicion
Jaiesh, a fast-food vendor in the area, said the people who arrived to cut the bamboo did not disclose which department had authorised the work, raising suspicion about the operation.
Activist Demands Protection
Eco-activist Ashish Garg said records dating back to the 1920s mention the grove. “Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide quickly and was planted by the British for that reason. It requires little water and the size of this grove suggests it is around a century old. It provides shade to vendors and commuters and is not obstructing any development work,” he said.
Garg said he has written to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change seeking protection for the grove. “With Dehradun rapidly losing its green cover, we have a responsibility to protect what remains,” he said.
