Kurukshetra :
The holy city of Kurukshetra is set to lose about 1,600 trees, a sizeable number of it are fully grown trees, to make it more presentable to the visitors and overcome vehicular congestion.

The PWD (B&R) is undertaking six-laning of the Pipli-Kurukshetra University stretch of the NH-44. The state forest authorities have started chopping trees on the identified stretch of 8.50-km.

JP Kamboj, executive engineer, PWD (bridges and roads), said the Rs 66-crore project had been allotted to a Gohana-based construction firm. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year, he added.

According to the official, the extended road would have a dedicated cycle track and a special provision for the effective storm water management system.

“The project has got all required environmental clearances in principle. Following the rules, the axing of trees has started and we expect the formal approvals within the next two weeks,” he said.

Denying the charge levelled by a local NGO that the project was in the violation of environmental rules, Kamboj said the Forest Department was entitled to fall trees after getting principle approval from various agencies.

Kamboj said the PWD had deposited Rs 1.36 crore with the Forest Department and nearly 9,700 saplings would be sown as a compensation for felling trees for the infrastructure development project.

Official sources said under the city infrastructural development, the Pipli-KU stretch would have several bus and rain shelters, parking lots, walkways and carriageways. There is a plan to plant 8,500 shrubs and 600 trees to add green lungs to the route, he added.

Local BJP legislator Subhash Sudha said the widening of road from the existing four to now six lanes were needed to improve traffic management.
“Kurukshetra is being developed as a major tourist destination by the Centre and Haryana government. It is important to give strengthen infrastructure to meet expected increased footfalls of the tourists,” said the MLA.

Honorary secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) Madan Mohan Chhabra said the board had also recommended of putting city signages and welcome gates along the NH to attract more visitors to the holy city.