Rs 85-crore project is likely to be over by April
Bijendra Ahlawat
Tribune News Service

Faridabad, January 23
More than 1,426 trees are likely to be axed for the widening of a road from Ankhir Chowk to the famous Surajkund tourist spot, which will be holding the annual Surajkund Crafts Mela from February 1 to 15.

However, the slow pace of widening of the road could hamper movement of the traffic during the fair, which witnesses a large number of visitors. The road also provides an alternative route to New Delhi. “However, for widening of the road, large numbers of trees have to be cut,” said an official of the department.

The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had started the widening of the road a few months ago. The project would cost Rs 85crore.

Admitting that nearly 1,426 trees have been identified, a senior HUDA official said the department had sought permission from the Forest and Environment Department and it was likely to be granted soon as the project was to be completed by April this year.

The trees would be replaced by the department at an alternative place as per the directions of the department. Tourism Department officials said the project was running late and it might not serve the purpose this time as only 12 days were left for the fair to begin.

“This could pose a traffic bottleneck as the road will not be available fully to the commuters during the fair,” said Sharad Kumar, a local resident. “This road has been a victim of neglect over the years despite the fact that Surajkund has been a hotspot for tourists,” said Manoj, resident of Sector 21- C here.