Shyam Kharel, project chief of Kathmandu Valley Road Improvement Project under Department of Road (DoR), told Republica that the government is equally concerned about the impact on the environment while widening the road. “Many of the trees marked for felling have already become too old. And they have to be cut down to widen the road,” he said. “The work has already started but the pace has been slow due to the rain,” he added.
The issue of felling trees had drawn public criticism with some youth groups actively campaigning against the loss. Three weeks ago, the youths united under White Butterfly Movement had paved a cycle lane along Mahalaxisthan area to show that the road could be widened without cutting down the trees. According to a campaigner Ishan Adhikari, despite several attempts to get information on the detailed design of the project, concerned government officials were not ready to share it. “At least they could tell us whether they are going to ensure greenery while widening the road or not. We believe that the existing trees have to be saved,” Ishan said. “Only now have they been telling that greenery is equally important. The government officials we spoke to in the past told us to go to the Chinese Embassy with the matter,” he added. Around 100 youths handed a letter urging to save trees to the Chinese Embassy on 15 June.
The district forest offices of Kathmandu and Lalitpur have permitted DoR to cut down 1,239 trees for the purpose. The project backed by the Chinese government with an aid of Rs 3.7 billion is expected to be completed within four years, according to the chief of the Lalitpur Divison of the Ring Road Improvement Project.
Tiwari added that there is high possibility that the work would go smoothly as the there are no buildings or other infrastructure along the section marked for expansion. “There is no need to demolish big houses or buildings. That would have been a serious hurdle,” he said.
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