Siliguri, 9th January: The Public Works Department has initiated road widening on S.F. Road in Siliguri, with the project costing several crores of rupees. However, Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh has raised concerns, alleging that trees are being cut during the road widening process.
On Thursday, MLA Shankar Ghosh opposed the tree cutting on S.F. Road. During the protest, Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) Leader of Opposition (LoP) Amit Jain and Councillor Shalini Dalmia were also present.
The MLA claimed that the city’s environment is being harmed due to the indiscriminate felling of trees in the name of road widening. He alleged that many old trees are being cut down illegally.
Ghosh further stated that there is no traffic congestion on S.F. Road, yet significant funds are being spent on its widening. The MLA also expressed his dissatisfaction with the role of the Mayor.
In response, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb clarified that trees are not being cut down but are being uprooted and replanted elsewhere. He added that this practice has been followed before, with trees being successfully replanted in various locations. The trees along S.F. Road will also be relocated to other areas.