AMC can’t decide fate of trees in Labour Colony: Conservationists

18 May 2022

Aurangabad: The Labour Colony in Aurangabad, which recently witnessed a mega demolition drive against unauthorised structures, has caught the attention of nature-lovers who have been demanding protection of trees at the location.

While the public works department (PWD) is expected to seek guidance from the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in deciding fate of around 222 trees concerned, conservationists have questioned the power of the local civic body in the matter.

Advocate Sandesh Hange of advocacy group Umbrella Welfare Foundation said the trees at Labour colony were more than 50-year old and, therefore, the state-level authorities have to take an official call.
“By virtue of their age, trees at Labour Colony are heritage trees and, therefore, cannot be axed without the permission of the state-level authorities,” he said.

Honorary wildlife warden Kishor Pathak said the district administration must not hurry in dealing with the trees at Labour colony.
“The presence of over 200 old trees at Labour colony is a sign of healthy oxygen hub in the heart of the city. The government authorities must consider keeping most of these trees intact while planning the future development plans,” he said.