Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) felled around 300 trees planted on the median strip of Saat Masjid Road in Dhanmondi to expand the island, much to the dismay of environmentalists and locals.

The felling began over three weeks ago from Zigatola to Shankar's Saat Masjid road, a stretch of around 900 metres. Locals have held human chains over the last few days, demanding an immediate end to the mindless felling of trees.

DSCC cleared the area to expand the median strip without permission from the forest department. The cabinet division in February last year made it mandatory to secure permission to cut any trees even at one's homestead.

During a recent visit to the area, this correspondent saw that the space between the newly constructed strip does not have enough space for planting trees. Besides, another 400 metres of the existing strip have been removed, causing the trees to fall on the road.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

Sajib Hossain, a local tea shop owner, said, "Two weeks ago the trees were cut down at night. Gradually, all the trees were cut down by a crane."

"These trees used to shade the entire road," he added.

Local Asad Hossain said, "Development work should not be done at the expense of trees. The trees have been here for almost 30 years. Now the entire road is barren."

"This is a short-sighted decision that will have long-lasting impacts. The city corporation should have consulted with the community before making such a drastic move," said Jinnat Begum, another local.

Sinthiya Begum, a teacher at a private school in the area, echoed the same and said, "This will have a significant impact on the local ecosystem by causing imbalances."

Photo: Rashed Shumon

A private contractor has been given the work of construction of a road divider. This correspondent visited the site office on the road yesterday, but no official was found to speak on the issue on behalf of the company, whose name remains unknown.

Contacted, Sharif Jamil, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, said, "Even if the trees were not cut down, DSCC could have made it work. It was necessary to talk with the residents about these things."

"Currently, the way the road dividers are being constructed, new trees will not grow there due to the lack of soil," he added.

Contacted, Marina Nazneen, zonal executive officer (zone-1) of DSCC, said there was a risk of accidents and that's why the trees were cut down.

"The median strip will now be expanded and made stronger. The trees that have been cut have little to do with environmental protection. Those were in place mainly for beautification," she said.

When asked about acquiring necessary approvals, she replied, "This work does not require the permission of the forest department or the Department of Environment."

"More trees will be planted where the trees were cut," added Marina.