Bhubaneswar: The Radhanath Institute of Advanced Studies in Cuttack faced backlash after cutting down six fully grown trees in an effort to beautify its campus for the upcoming centenary celebrations. The decision garnered criticism from alumni and locals who expressed their disappointment over the institute’s choice.
According to institute principal Nibedita Guru, the trees were cut down to ensure student safety and maintain cleanliness on the premises. She further explained that the falling leaves from the trees made the garden appear messy. Guru also mentioned that the institute lacked sufficient staff to maintain the garden, which led to the decision to remove the trees.
However, the tree felling was carried out without seeking prior permission from the forest department, a breach of regulations according to Cuttack mayor Subhas Singh. He emphasized that cutting trees without permission is a punishable offense. The forest department is yet to take action against the institute for their actions.
The decision to cut down the trees also contradicts a circular from the University Grant Commission (UGC), which encourages colleges to promote environment-friendly initiatives both on and off campus. The UGC, in its pursuit of better NAAC accreditation grades and rankings, has introduced concepts such as one student, one tree and green audits.
A student from the prestigious institute expressed disappointment and disbelief at the act of tree cutting, stating that it was unexpected from the oldest teacher training institute in the state, which is on the verge of receiving a center of excellence status from the government.
The incident highlights the importance of environmental conservation, especially in educational institutions that play a crucial role in shaping future generations. The need to obtain proper permissions and adhere to regulations when undertaking such activities cannot be stressed enough to maintain a balance between development and conservation.
As the institute prepares to welcome President Droupadi Murmu for its centenary celebrations, the controversy surrounding the tree felling has drawn attention to the issue of sustainability and the preservation of natural resources within educational institutions. The public outcry serves as a reminder that the decisions made by institutions should be in line with the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.
