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Botanical Garden
Trees chopped down on the orders of the VC |
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[Home] |
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PU Students baton charged. New (dec 24 2003) |
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(Click on photos to view in larger size) |
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[Back] |
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Dear Friends,
This might come as a sad shock to you... But we regretfully announce that more than 50 trees inside the Botanical Garden and the Greenbelt were brutally chopped down on the orders of the Vice Chancellor, S Zulfiqar Gilani yesterday. |
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The ruthless cutting of those trees that SCN had been fighting all along to save, was carried out in the early hours on Sunday 21st December 2003. The VC, who was supposed to have left on the 11th December 2003, has been given a respite. |
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| The most disturbing realization is that the university is meant to be a seat of learning � one expects better common sense � if not more imagination. The lack of it is a painful reminder now. The lesson learnt is that focused and committed efforts do make a difference. But it is not lasting. If public interest cases/ debates can end up as vindictive and ego driven matters, then there is no point in having environmental bodies, organizations and other departments. As far as environment is concerned it is not improving � just the contrary. |
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Calling the entire affair, �purely administrative� and not environmental, the VC trivialized the gravity and nature of the debate. Deflecting attention from an important environmental, botanical issue into a deliberate personal standoff, the administration has not only lowered the academic esteem of the university but has also damaged its future. `Might is right� is the order of the day. Yet another battle is lost � and yet only BEGUN... |
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Dear Members, we at SCN condemn this ruthless act in the strongest possible terms and at the same time renew our pledge to continue our work, as such acts only strengthen SCN's resolve further for our cause i.e. fighting for a greener environment. We would like to share with you some independent comments from the PU students themselves. (who earlier in the day, carried out a demonstration and marched infront of the VC's office in protest) |
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Students baton charged. New (dec 24 2003) |
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The greenbelt or arboretum attached to the botanical garden next to Road No 2
"..the proposed block would also damage the greenbelt between the Botany and Computer Science departments."
(The Statesman 4 Nov, 2003) |
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Foundation Stone of the proposed construction site inside the botanical garden |
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"This day (21 Dec) will be remembered in the history of Peshawar University as the Blackday. Just shows how cruel, petty and low one person can get. He has planted the germs of his own defeat in life as God Almighty will surely make him pay for this" -- Habib. Jamiat, PU
"The shameless cowards, the VC's men who carried out this disgraceful inhuman act left many trees lying where they fell when somebody alerted us in the hostel and they could not carry them because they withdrew in such a hurry. The VC chose a Sunday - a holiday, because he knew the students and officials will not be there to halt his despicable action" -- Ahmad. Botany Student
"Everything suddenly looks very gloomy and dusty" -- Afshan. PU Student
"Well this was what we all expected. The VC has proved on more than one occasion that he will not hesitate to sink to any level. The least said about this individual the better. His actions just speak his mind, look at all the carnage around you. I have no words for him. Calling him a beast would be an insult to the animal kingdom." -- Rashid. Zoology Dept. |
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"They did not even care for our potted plants and several were broken. They stepped on flowerbeds and overturned everything" -- Female Botany Student
"You know this is/ was his last week in the office. This is his parting gift to the campus and people of Peshawar. I feel very sad today and I just have no words to express it." -- Female Botany Student |
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Interviews conducted by Zafar Ali Shah and A Jan on 22 Dec |
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SCN wishes to thank all its members, friends and green-loving enlightened citizens who supported us and helped us in our efforts to save these trees. |
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Students baton charged. New (dec 24 2003) |
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We have put pictures on our website, showing scenes before and after the carnage
Give your comments: [email protected] |
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Related Reports:
'Mythical' botanical Garden: A Rejoinder by SCN
Click here to read the rejoinder (13 Dec 2003)
Click here to read SCN report and visitors' comments
Please add your comment too and mail us at [email protected]
Ardeshir Cowasjee on SCN and the Botanical Garden
Click here to read article from DAWN (30 Nov 2003)
Dr S Amjad Hussain on deteriorating landscape of Peshawar Campus
Click here to read article from the Statesman (02 Dec 2003)
Ardeshir Cowasjee's 'TREES SAVED"
Click here to read article from DAWN (07 Dec 2003) |
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Photos taken by SCN on 22nd December 2003 |
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[Back] |
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(If you have any comments about our website please click here) |
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Copyright �2003 [Sarhad Conservation Network]� All rights reserved |
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