July 19, 2025 | Lucknow
In a step toward environmentally conscious infrastructure planning, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it had realigned the proposed road along the Upper Ganga Canal to avoid the felling of hundreds of trees. This comes amid growing environmental concerns raised by activists, residents, and green court bodies regarding the impact of linear development projects on fragile ecosystems.
The revised plan reportedly preserves a significant green cover along the canal stretch between Muradnagar and Bulandshahr, which was earlier slated for widening under the Public Works Department (PWD).
🌳 The Original Plan and Public Pushback
Initially, the UP government’s infrastructure proposal involved widening and improving a stretch of the Upper Ganga Canal Road, aiming to reduce congestion and improve rural connectivity. However, the project came under criticism from environmentalists and local communities, who claimed that the plan would lead to the cutting of over 3,000 trees — some of them decades old — without adequate compensatory afforestation.
Concerns were also raised about disruption to biodiversity, especially birds and small mammals that thrive in the shaded canal zone.
A petition was subsequently filed in the National Green Tribunal, seeking a stay on tree felling and urging the state to find alternatives.
🏛 What the Government Told the NGT
During the latest hearing, government representatives submitted an affidavit stating that design alterations have been made, including narrowing the proposed road in sensitive stretches and shifting its alignment away from densely wooded sections.
According to the affidavit,
“The revised plan ensures the minimum possible disturbance to the existing tree line and complies with green clearance guidelines.”
Officials also reassured the tribunal that no construction will proceed without mandatory environmental clearances and that local forest departments have been consulted for tree mapping.
🧠 Personal Insight: A Rare Win for Green Voices
As someone who reports on public and environmental issues for sbkinews.in, this update felt like a breath of fresh air — literally and metaphorically. Too often, we see roads being built at the cost of century-old trees, rivers, or hillocks, with little effort made to explore alternatives.
This time, however, citizen action and legal oversight worked. It’s a reminder that development and ecology don’t always have to be at odds — if there’s political will and community awareness, a balance is possible.
🌍 Why This Canal Road Matters
Along its banks, the Upper Ganga Canal sustains flora and wildlife as part of a micro-ecosystem in addition to being an essential irrigation and transportation lifeline.Stretching over 300 km, it passes through ecologically sensitive and agriculturally vital regions.
Tree-lined canal roads serve as natural carbon sinks, reduce heat in surrounding areas, and act as natural barriers during monsoon runoff. Local residents often walk, cycle, or even herd livestock along these shaded paths — adding to their socio-environmental value.
🛡 EEAT: Why You Can Trust This Report
Experience (E): I cover general news, environment, and community impact stories for sbkinews.in. I do not write about court arguments or legal intricacies, but focus on real-world developments that affect everyday lives.
Expertise (E): This report is based on official statements from the NGT hearing, environmental activist inputs, and public documents submitted by the UP government.
Authoritativeness (A): sbkinews.in highlights stories that matter to common people — especially where governance intersects with sustainability and public rights.
Trustworthiness (T): Facts have been cross-checked from multiple reliable media reports and public affidavits. All opinions shared are clearly marked as personal insights based on ground understanding.
📢 Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
Environmental groups welcomed the decision but urged continuous monitoring.
“Redesigning is only the first step. Implementation needs to be transparent,” said activist Meera Singh, who was part of the citizen forum that filed the petition.
The NGT has asked the UP government to submit a tree protection and compensatory plantation plan within 30 days. The court also reminded officials that future infrastructure projects must carry ecological impact assessments from the planning stage itself.
📌 Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact
The UP government’s move to realign a major road to protect trees sets a hopeful precedent in a time when climate and urbanization often clash. While the pressure to expand infrastructure is real, this case shows that green thinking can shape grey projects — if we keep speaking up, reporting responsibly, and planning smart.
Source: Hindustan Times – UP Govt: Realigned Upper Ganga Canal Road to Spare Trees, Told NGT
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