Image Source : The Hindu
The forest department has officially approved the felling of 5,746 trees in Shahjahanpur district to facilitate the widening of a key section of the Lipulekh-Bhind highway. The decision, sanctioned by higher authorities in Lucknow, marks a significant step forward for the Rs 294 crore infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity. While the move is expected to boost mobility and reduce accident rates, it has also sparked environmental concerns and local protests.
The affected stretch runs between Jalalabad and Shahjahanpur, where several trees—some over a century old—stand along the existing seven-metre-wide road. The expansion will transform the route into a four-lane highway with a total width of approximately 25 metres, including carriageways, dividers, and shoulders.
Key Highlights From The Clearance
- Forest department grants permission to fell 5,746 trees for highway construction
- The project covers a 28.3-kilometre stretch between Jalalabad and Shahjahanpur
- Road to be widened from 7 metres to 25 metres, including 9-metre carriageways and 2.5-metre shoulders on each side
- Rs 13 crore allocated to the forest corporation for tree felling operations
- Public Works Department to compensate by planting ten times the number of trees removed
Project Scope And Infrastructure Details
The Lipulekh-Bhind highway expansion is part of a national infrastructure initiative aimed at improving inter-state connectivity and reducing bottlenecks in high-traffic zones. The upgraded road will feature:
1. Two 9-metre-wide carriageways for bidirectional traffic
2. A 2.5-metre-wide central divider for safety and traffic separation
3. 2.5-metre-wide shoulders on both sides for emergency use and pedestrian movement
4. Encroachment removal up to 60 feet from the road edge in populated zones
5. Completion target set for March 2026
The Public Works Department has already begun clearing encroachments in non-populated areas and issued notices in Kant and Jalalabad towns. While initial resistance was reported, residents have agreed to voluntarily remove structures within two days following negotiations with district officials.
Environmental Compensation And Reforestation Plan
To offset the ecological impact of tree felling, the PWD is mandated to plant ten times the number of trees removed. This can be done either directly or by depositing funds with the forest department, which will undertake the replanting. The reforestation plan will prioritize native species and ensure long-term ecological balance.
Divisional Forest Officer Prakhar Gupta clarified that the department’s role was limited to submitting a report, and the final approval came from state-level authorities due to the project’s national significance.
Local Sentiment And Public Response
The decision has triggered mixed reactions in Shahjahanpur. Environmental activists and local residents staged protests in Kant and Jalalabad, opposing both the tree felling and the removal of homes and shops. Concerns were raised about the loss of heritage trees and the disruption of local ecosystems.
However, many residents also expressed support for the highway, citing frequent traffic jams and safety hazards, especially during the annual Kanwar Yatra. The upgraded road is expected to reduce travel time, improve emergency response, and support economic development in the region.
Conclusion: Balancing Development With Ecological Responsibility
The approval to cut 5,746 trees for the Shahjahanpur highway project underscores the complex trade-offs between infrastructure development and environmental preservation. While the expansion promises improved connectivity and reduced congestion, it also demands careful execution of reforestation commitments and community engagement. As work progresses, the challenge will be to ensure that growth does not come at the cost of green cover and ecological stability.
Sources: Times of India, Amar Ujala, Jagran
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