Cong objects to cutting road divider grills for planting saplings in Rohtak

Local Congress leaders and trader organisation leaders have raised a strong objection to the cutting of road divider iron grills in Rohtak city for planting saplings, and to the fact that names of BJP leaders were painted on the protective walls of the saplings.

They said the move, which they claimed was being done in the guise of beautification, had diminished the city’s aesthetic and environmental value.

Congress leader Lovleen Tuteja, Model Town Traders’ Association president Ajay Dhankhar and trader leader Devender Bharat criticised the move, saying that Rohtak may be the first city where road divider grills were being cut just to plant trees that had “no practical or ecological benefit”.

They said if the administration genuinely wanted to enhance the city’s greenery, they should have planted flowering or seasonal plants that actually contributed to the beautification of the urban landscape.

Tuteja said iron grills, installed 13–14 years ago by municipal authorities, provided both safety and visual appeal.

“These were removed in parts from Bajrang Bhawan to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Chowk to make space for areca palm plants. But a large portion of the road divider is still empty, and the saplings that had been planted are either drying up or being eaten by animals,” he added.

Tuteja criticised the fact that while public funds were used for the drive, names of BJP leaders were painted on the protective walls of the plants, implying that they had adopted the saplings.

“If these leaders claim responsibility for the plants, they should also ensure their upkeep,” he said, terming it a misuse of public money.

He urged the administration to involve all stakeholders in such beautification efforts, emphasising that the city belonged to everyone, not just a political party.

Dhankhar said the effort did not beautify the city, and, instead, spoiled its visual harmony.

“There was no need to cut grills for plantation. Native trees like neem, gulmohar, amaltas and kachnar could have been planted without such damage,” he said, adding that areca palm offered neither environmental nor aesthetic value.

Bharat said the district administration should take cognisance of the issue, and ensure that appropriate and beneficial plants were planted in the city.

Haryana Tribune