Widening roads

Tree cutting... and widening of roads...

QUESTIONS BROUGHT UP AND ANSWERS

1- The widening of the road will lead to a saving of 7 minutes in total... the cost of the proposed project ? Rs 700 MILLION ... Is this fair? As per law, each project exceeding 50 Million Rupees needs prior public approval.
ANSWER
1- Point made, it needs public approval....700 million is heavy but i think its worth the time and headaches avoided. do u know the number of people who travel through the canal every day, or for that matter every hour?


2- Secondly the EPA is a piece of progressive legislation which envisages direct public involvement ... it is the people’s right to opine in a matter so close to their heart.
ANSWER
2- public opinion is a must, thats why we’re having this discussion :)

3- The project envisages 4 lane Highway... the underpasses are at best three lanes... and at places 2 lanes... Genuine planners will tell you that traffic is only as fast as its narrowest point.
ANSWER
3- 4 lane, is not the best idea, i agree. but 3 lanes with no encroachments would be worth it.

4- The trees are not just for shade... they have a very important role in sucking up the seepage water from canal and as a wall against noise pollution for adjoining residential areas.
4- im sure theres better alternatives to deal with seepage waters than having trees. and the trees nearest to the canal wil remain. as for the noise levels for the people living in the canal, my message is..."ur living in the middle of the country’s second biggest city going through a development phase....what do you expect....tranquility!"


5- Pollution will increase as average speeds rise from 60 KM to 80 KM meaning more exhaust, more pollution.
ANSWER so dozens of cars standing on a stand still for 10 minutes because of traffic jams dont cause pollution...hmmm

6-The creation of this 4 lane Highway would mean an end to all cycle wallahs, rehraywallahs, and other poor people. The thoroughfare would be for the rich and only the rich.
ANSWER
this one i agree with, the fruit vendors and people using bicycles will need to switch onto the existing side lane.