In an attempt to allow easier traffic movement, the 3.7 km long Lucknow-Varanasi road between MB Club to Lalkurti in Lucknow’s Cantonment area will be widened through the translocation of nearly 250 trees. As per the available information, 180 out of these 250 trees are aged between 70 to 80 years. Thereby, the officials have to take great care while executing the process and an approximate amount of ₹2 crores will be spent on the project.
Road to be transformed into a 4-laned facility with street lights & a divider
After the proposals were formalised, the army officials have approved the project and on-ground plans will be rolled out soon. While the road shall transform into a 4-laned facility with a divider, street lights will also be installed here. Expected to be built at a cost of ₹28 crores, the plans will be led by PWD with support from the army officials. Notably, the army authorities have offered two areas of land at Dilkusha Park and Telibagh, to provide a new habitat to the trees.
PWD Executive Engineer Manish Verma affirmed that the budget has been sought from the government and the works will be started as soon as the Finance Committee approves. Further, Kanchan Singh, the assistant engineer of PWD, who is looking after the project, informed that the survey has been done by a private agency in Hyderabad. The agency has identified about 250 trees for translocating.
85% of the total trees to be translocated
According to the initial assessment, it is expected that nearly 85% of the trees will be saved with relocation. On the other hand, the remaining have either completed their lifeline or are rooted trees like Peepal. Interestingly, the oldest Neem tree in the region has stood through a stretch of more than 100 years while two Banyan trees have lived a life of over 80 years. Besides protecting these trees, the upcoming exercise will also be focused on saving the creatures who inhabit them.
After deliberating upon this project for many years, the PWD has finally come up with executable plans. While the widening of the roads is necessary to cater to increased urban requirements, it is equally important to conserve the nearby ecosystem.
