A 20-year-old almond tree, planted and cared for by autorickshaw drivers, was allegedly chopped down overnight near the E Wing gate of the Masala Market inside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), reportedly to clear space for a stall during the market’s Sunday shutdown, raising fresh concerns over unchecked violations and official apathy.

Not the first tree cut near market

This is not the first such incident in the area. Around three years ago, a 25-year-old tree outside the Grain Market was illegally cut for a cultural event, after which a temporary shade structure was erected at the site. Then, NMMC Commissioner Abhijit Bangar had ordered the demolition of the structure. However, no FIR or complaint was registered against those responsible for the tree’s felling.