With Chipko movement, Bhopal tries to root out neta, babu housing plan

BHOPAL: Hundreds of Bhopal citizens have banded together to save 29,000 trees in the heart of the city that they fear would be felled to clear space for new bungalows for MLAs, ministers and senior bureaucrats.
People from different walks of lifeenvironmentalists, intellectuals, professionals, homemakers, students and politiciansgathered in large numbers near Nutan College in Shivaji Nagar on Friday to protest against the proposed project.Shivaji Nagar and Tulsi Nagarthe areas earmarked for the projectare some of the greenest regions of Bhopal. Long-time residents have seen saplings grow into trees.
The govt has neither confirmed nor denied the project. Environment expert Dr Subhash C Pandey, who is among those leading the campaign, told TOI:
"We wish to send a message that we are united in our protest. (The govt) claims the project has not been sanctioned, but they also say if it is cleared, the trees will be 'relocated' and not cut. How can you relocate 29,000 trees? Relocation is a failed concept in our context." He questioned the project's need, saying the number of MLAs and ministers reduced after MP's bifurcation in 2000.