What environmental incident was averted near Subhas Sarobar in Kolkata?

An incident where a man was burning plastic waste at the base of a large kadam tree, posing an environmental threat, was averted.

Who intervened in the plastic burning incident at Suren Sarkar Street?

Saptorshi Roy Choudhury, a musician and local resident, intervened to stop the man from burning plastic near the kadam tree.

What are the environmental risks associated with burning plastic near trees?

Burning plastic releases toxic fumes, can damage tree roots and soil, and poses a fire hazard, negatively impacting biodiversity.

Home / Environment / Vigilante Stops Arson Threat to Kolkata Tree

Vigilante Stops Arson Threat to Kolkata Tree

24 Jan

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Summary

Local musician stopped a man from burning plastic near a large kadam tree.
The accused claimed to be an engineering geologist and acted defiantly.
Police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation were alerted to the environmental threat.

Vigilante Stops Arson Threat to Kolkata Tree

An act of environmental negligence was narrowly averted on Suren Sarkar Street, near Subhas Sarobar in Kolkata, on Wednesday. A musician and local resident, Saptorshi Roy Choudhury, intervened when he witnessed a man, who identified himself as an engineering geologist, setting fire to plastic waste at the base of a prominent kadam tree.

The large, old kadam tree, a significant feature of the Subhas Sarobar biodiversity hotspot, is known to host various bird species. Roy Choudhury described the accused as defiant and aggressive when confronted, even as he attempted to douse the flames and began recording the incident. The accused allegedly warned Roy Choudhury against sharing the video.

Following the confrontation, Roy Choudhury contacted the Beleghata Police Station and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. While police visited the site, Roy Choudhury reported that no further action was taken despite him sharing video evidence. Environmentalists underscored the severe risks of burning plastic, including toxic emissions and damage to tree roots and soil.