Clearing of cycle paths

On 30th September and 1st October, a JCB accompanied by an engineer from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and a survey team started clearing a 2.5m wide path between the trees through Existence forest towards Bliss forest. This bulldozing of understory forest regeneration is the first step in creating cycle paths that have been proposed by Dr Anupama Kundoo, and is being implemented by the CPWD on instructions from the Auroville Foundation Office (AVFO) Secretary. Neither the stewards nor the Forest Group had been informed.

Residents showed up on site, with RA TDC members questioning the clearing since the National Green Tribunal order clearly states that Environmental Clearance and Detailed Development Plans need to be ready before any development can take place, including right of ways.

The ATDC appointed by the Office of the Secretary responded to this intervention by announcing that the work is in required compliance, and that “It's a legal offense to obstruct this work in progress. Anyone obstructing this work is doing so at their own risk and necessary actions may be initiated with the videos and photos of the people involved”.