Ground clearing

Both before and since the Supreme Court stayed the NGT verdict, land clearance, including tree-cutting and transplantation, has taken place across Auroville. The trees to be transplanted were taken to Auroville land near Kalpavruksha; some trees survived the ordeal and show signs of re-growth, though their long term survival is uncertain. Tree cutting and land clearing took place at Shambala and Buddha Garden to make way for the VIP road, close to Anitya (Joy of Impermanence), in the Youth Centre, inside Bliss Forest on private land and in the Service Area (near the post office). Inside the Revelation Sanctuary, fences were removed without warning by JCBs under the order of the Central Public Works Department. Also, the lone 50 year old Matrimandir Neem tree which had been protected by residents over the last few months as a living symbol was cut down on 21st December. Residents arrived on site and created a temporary earth memorial in remembrance of the tree.