Environmental concerns: 98 trees chopped to construct flyover, PHC told

Instructs officials to inspect all saplings planted and submit report.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) was informed on Wednesday that 98 trees were chopped to construct a flyover in the provincial capital. The court then directed officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to examine the saplings that were planted after the tree felling.

A resident wrote to the PHC complaining that the provincial government had ruined the green belt on Grand Trunk (GT) Road and the trees were being felled to construct Arbab Sikandar Khan Khalil Overpass.

The court served a notice to concerned officials asking them to explain why the trees were chopped and what measures had been taken to keep the environment safe from pollution that will be caused by the vehicles plying the bridge.

In a hearing on Wednesday, Barrister Amir Javed, legal advisor to Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), told the PHC division bench comprising Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Irshad Qaiser that 98 trees were felled, but 5,000 saplings had been planted.

Among the 5,000 saplings planted, 4,500 were in good condition and the PDA was regularly taking care of them, Javed informed the court.

The bench expressed concerns that the provincial capital was the only city where flyovers are being built inside the metropolitan areas. “They [the government] did not consult international experts and constructed flyovers in the city which are now causing severe traffic jams,” it remarked. “If a Ring-Railway is set up from Ring Road, it will reduce the traffic burden,” it added.

The Director General EPA was ordered to examine all the planted saplings and submit his report to the high court registrar, while the petition was disposed of.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2013.

eople participated.

 

The rally started from Ghallanai Bazaar and concluded at Mohmand Press Club. The protesters chanted slogans against Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and condemned his decision. “The judiciary has become a party against the PPP and is working against democracy,” said Khan.

PPP tribal leaders also criticised the ruling. But MNA Akhunzada Chattan from Bajaur Agency said even though they do not agree with it, they respect the court’s orders and will obey it.

Karak 

A large number of PYO activists protested in Sadam Chowk of Karak district and ignited tyres on the road, blocking traffic.

“The conspirators do not want a democratic government to complete its full term,” alleged PYO President Balaqyaz Khan Khattak.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2013.