BHOPAL: Peeved at felling of 21 trees on its premises, students of MVM College took to streets to protest the callous approach of the authorities, who are responsible to protect the nature and environment. The entire exercise was to give way to a proposed two-storey building on the college premises.The students formed a human chain and launched an awareness campaign to oppose this move. Around 21 trees on the premises of Government Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya were cut-down for the proposed two-storey building that is to be constructed there at cost of Rs 6 crore. The college management claimed that there is need of additional classrooms as the strength of college is growth with each passing year and so a new building will be constructed.
However, the students claimed that the because of lack of facilities, existing classrooms, buildings and laboratories remain vacant. For odd 3000 students in college there are only three outdated computers in computer lab, said students. The issue was raised before the authorities a number of times but they failed to act on it and now a new building is coming up on the premises. Rather than spending money on expansion, the authorities should first ensure better facilities in the existing structure.
Subhash C Pandey, Environment Specialist
“According to Tree Protection Act 2001, 5 plants are to be planted before cutting of one tree. An affidavit is necessary to prove that cutting of these trees will not affect the environment. But this open violation of Environment Protection Act 1986.”
Asma Khan, Student Leader, MVM Bhopal
We do not oppose any development work but being a student and a human it is our duty to protect the Mother Nature, We just want that the college administration to plant 5 trees in place of each tree they had cut. Not only plant trees but also take full responsibility of their conservation.
Now that the trees have cut down, the students demand:-