234 trees felled for safety concerns, 500 conifers to be planted, says Amar Singh College

Facing public outrage, the authorities of the 111-year-old Amar Singh College on Friday said the felling of 234 trees, including poplar avenue, was necessitated by “safety concerns posed by aged poplars”.

Facing public outrage, the authorities of the 111-year-old Amar Singh College on Friday said the felling of 234 trees, including poplar avenue, was necessitated by “safety concerns posed by aged poplars”.

“During the 2014 floods, the institution remained immersed in water for a long duration of time. The trees started uprooting in minor windstorms and causing damage to the surrounding structures. Several grievances regarding safety and health concerns were received by the college administration during this period and are well documented in the college records,” a spokesman of the college said, in a statement.

The Hindu on Thursday reported about the popular avenue being felled to the umbrage of the civil society, including architects, writers, college alumni etc. 

The college authorities also claimed that the community members living in the vicinity of the college “complained a number of times about the potential threat caused by these aged trees”.

“Typically, a poplar tree has a lifespan of around 50 years. The poplars on the avenue had already crossed the 60 years and were planted in 1965,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said these factors “forced the institution to take this extraordinary measure”. 

“We deeply appreciate the concerns expressed by civil society regarding the campus. We want to reassure everyone that we are fully committed to creating a green, sustainable, and safe environment for our students. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and visitors are our top priorities,” the statement said.