Students at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana have strongly opposed the university’s plan to cut down trees for a road widening project near the Mohinder Singh Randhawa Library. The proposed project includes widening the road and building a footpath, but students say this will lead to the loss of a large number of trees inside the campus.
The issue gained attention after university authorities marked the area that would be included in the construction work. Soon after, students began raising concerns both on campus and on social media. Many students said it was disappointing that an agricultural university, which is expected to protect nature and promote sustainability, is planning to cut trees for development work.
According to protesting students, more than 100 trees are likely to be cut as part of the project. Some students estimate that the number could be as high as 150 trees along the stretch of the road. They argue that cutting trees at a time when pollution levels are rising across North India is irresponsible and insensitive.
A university student, Simranjeet Singh, shared his concerns on Instagram, calling the decision “deeply disappointing.” He said an institution that stands for agriculture and environmental protection should encourage tree plantation instead of destroying green cover. He added that development should not come at the cost of nature, especially within a university campus that represents sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Students say trees act as the lungs of the environment, helping reduce pollution and improve air quality. They feel that removing so many trees will negatively impact the campus ecosystem and send a wrong message to society.
Angrej Mann, a member of the Punjab Agricultural Students Union, said the issue is not limited to one road. He claimed that PAU has a history of cutting trees in the name of development. He pointed out that in 2017, several old trees were cut near Gate Number 2 to create large flower beds. At that time too, students had protested and managed to save some trees.
Angrej said the argument has always been the same—development. However, he questioned whether development that harms the environment can truly be called progress. He added that students are not against development but want solutions that balance mobility needs and environmental protection.
Students also said that the campus does not experience regular traffic congestion. According to them, traffic problems arise mainly during large commercial events such as fairs and concerts hosted on campus. They questioned whether it is fair to cut trees permanently to manage traffic issues that occur only occasionally.
Environmental activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira also criticised the university’s plan. He said PAU itself is a heritage institution and that its green cover is an important part of that heritage. He argued that student numbers and academic activity have not increased significantly in recent years. In fact, the veterinary college has become a separate university, reducing daily footfall on campus.
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Khaira said traffic problems mainly happen during large public events like Saras Mela or concerts, and questioned whether commercial activities are now being given more importance than education and environmental responsibility.
Responding to the criticism, PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal defended the project and said the decision was taken keeping current needs in mind. He explained that the campus layout was designed in the 1960s, when bicycles and scooters were the main modes of transport.
According to the vice-chancellor, the situation has changed over the years. The number of four-wheelers on campus has increased significantly, and even students now use cars. He said the existing road infrastructure is no longer sufficient to handle the current traffic, making road widening necessary for smooth movement and safety.
Gosal rejected claims that the university is ignoring environmental concerns. He said PAU conducts regular plantation drives and plants around 1,000 trees every year on campus. He assured that while some trees that fall directly in the path of the road may have to be removed, trees along the footpath will not be touched.
He also said that a green belt with new trees will be developed along the widened road and footpath. According to him, the university is trying to balance development needs with environmental protection.
However, students remain unconvinced. They argue that newly planted saplings cannot replace the benefits of mature trees that have grown over decades. They also feel that alternative solutions, such as better traffic management or redesigning routes, should be explored instead of cutting trees.
The protest highlights a growing debate between development and environmental conservation, especially in educational institutions. Students say universities should set an example by adopting eco-friendly solutions and protecting green spaces.
As discussions continue, students have demanded that the university hold consultations with them and environmental experts before moving ahead with the project. They hope that a solution can be found that improves infrastructure without damaging the campus’s natural heritage.
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