Pauri Garhwal, August 29: Students from B.R. Modern School staged a protest outside the Forest Department office, demanding the immediate removal of dangerous, dilapidated trees along their school route. The protest, which involved students beating drums to voice their concerns, highlights a year-long struggle for safety.
The students expressed that these trees have posed a risk for a long time, particularly during heavy rains and strong winds when the fear of falling branches is heightened. Despite numerous complaints from the school and local residents over the past year, no action had been taken until now.
Following the protest, the Forest Department assured that necessary formalities were being completed and that the hazardous trees would be removed soon. Complaints regarding the dangerous pine trees along the school route had been consistently raised with the administration and the Forest Department, including written complaints sent to the Chief Minister’s office and the District Magistrate.
B.R. Modern School Principal Damodar Mamgai stated that the trees have been in a deteriorating condition since 2025, with hollow roots posing a significant threat. He emphasized that he had been in discussions with the Forest Department for over a year, and the safety of the children compelled him to take action. He was informed that measures would be taken before August 30.
In response to the situation, DFO Mahatima Yadav confirmed that the dangerous trees have been identified and assured that the removal process would begin within two days to ensure the safety of all individuals using the school route.