Students at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana have launched a protest against plans to cut trees for road widening. The proposed project targets the stretch outside the Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library.
Students voiced anger after university authorities marked areas inside the campus for road and footpath expansion. The markings indicated that nearly 100 trees could be removed. The move sparked sharp criticism from students and environmental groups.
Many students questioned the decision on social media. They highlighted the irony of an agricultural university approving tree cutting. Student Simranjeet Singh wrote that such actions contradict PAU’s role in promoting sustainability. He stressed that development should not destroy green cover.
Members of the Punjab Agricultural Students Union also opposed the plan. Angrej Mann said the road stretch holds 100 to 150 mature trees. He warned that removing them would worsen pollution levels. He described trees as the environment’s lungs.
Students argued that North India already faces severe air pollution. They called the plan insensitive during a climate crisis. Protesters urged the university to explore alternatives. They demanded development that protects ecology and public health.
The protest continues as students seek dialogue with the administration.
