The proposed Panjrapole flyover in Ahmedabad has sparked significant opposition from local residents, who have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the construction. In a petition submitted to the Gujarat High Court, residents argue that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to fell 91 mature trees and saplings along Dr Vikram Sarabhai Road. The petitioners have suggested an alternative alignment for the flyover, proposing that it be built between Gujarat University and Nehrunagar instead of through the Panjrapole junction, which directly affects the area around the prestigious Indian Institute of Management.
At the heart of the issue is the potential loss of vital green cover, which residents argue will worsen Ahmedabad’s already declining environmental conditions. The city has witnessed a drastic reduction in its forest cover over the past decade, with a report from the forest department revealing that Ahmedabad’s green space has shrunk by nearly 48%. In stark contrast to other major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Ahmedabad now stands as one of the worst performers in terms of preserving its urban greenery, with its forest cover dropping from 17.96 square kilometres to just 9.41 square kilometres. With temperatures soaring in the summer, residents believe that removing trees would only exacerbate the city’s heat problem and diminish the quality of life for its citizens.
While the AMC claims that the trees will be transplanted, residents have challenged this assertion, stating that no conclusive studies have been presented to support the feasibility of such a move. The petitioners also question the necessity of the flyover itself, pointing to the declining traffic congestion at the junction over the years. Data provided by the AMC shows that peak-hour traffic has significantly reduced, from 10,175 vehicles in 2012 to 6,421 vehicles in 2024, a 40% drop in traffic volume. This, they argue, calls into question the urgency and justification for a Rs 100 crore expenditure on a project that may no longer be required.
The broader concern here is whether the flyover project is being rushed without fully considering smarter, more sustainable alternatives. Residents have suggested that measures such as better traffic management, redesigning signals, and enhanced public transport could address congestion issues without harming the environment. As Ahmedabad continues to grow, the residents’ challenge highlights the need for more thoughtful urban planning, one that balances infrastructural growth with environmental preservation.
In light of these concerns, the Gujarat High Court has asked the petitioners to provide legal precedents supporting the notion that the court can intervene in government policy decisions. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for urban development projects across the state, where the intersection of environmental conservation and urban growth is increasingly becoming a contentious issue.
