ALLAHABAD: The felling of trees in Kareli area on Wednesday under the pretext of anti-encroachment drive of Allahabad Municipal Corporation evoked sharp criticism from residents. They rued that instead of maintaining and plating more trees the corporation was indulging in green tonsure in the area.

Speaking about AMC apathy, senior medical officer Dr SAM Meesum said, "The greenery has been ruined in Kareli area. The mass plantation done by citizens to make the area green and pollution free on barren lands along the side of the roads has been razed to grounds by the AMC." The residents are also annoyed that AMC and city planner never discuss their project of development with the local residents. "A good development is always by the locals but on the name of broadening of road only destruction of greenery is in no way accepted," said Shakeel Ahmad, a resident of Kareli.

Dr SAM Meesum said, "We are not against demolition drives but Allahabad Municipal Corporation should also render its duty for protecting the greenery of the city which is depleting fast." He rued that there are encroachments near the drains passing in the area but AMC does not remove them.