Age-old mango tree axed in Gandhinagar, sparks outrage

In Gujarat’s capital city Gandhinagar, the felling of an age-old mango tree in Sector 3 by the Forest Department has sparked sharp reactions from environmentalists and locals. The tree, located near the ‘Gh-Dodh’ locality, was reportedly cut despite not posing any obstruction, raising questions about the city’s commitment to its “green capital” image.

According to environmental volunteers, the tree was felled after the Forest Department issued permission for its removal upon payment of a fee of just ₹1,676. Members of the Shriram Charitable Trust, including its president Vijay Sharma, reached the spot after learning about the incident and expressed disappointment over the decision.

“I had come for therapy near Heer Complex when I saw the forest team cutting down a massive, old mango tree in the rain. It was painful to watch,” Sharma said.

Environmental groups allege that such decisions are being made without adequate verification or site inspection. They have urged the department to reassess its approval process for tree-cutting permissions, especially in cases involving heritage or ecologically significant trees.

While officials have not issued a statement on the matter, local residents have called for accountability, urging authorities to ensure that Gandhinagar’s long-standing reputation as a green and sustainable city is not reduced to just on paper.