Sochi residents concerned about cutting down ornamental chestnut trees

On February 9, Sochi residents from Yunykh Lenintsev (Young Leninists) and Konstitutsii (Constitution) Streets reported that in front of their windows they observe cutting down of ornamental chestnut trees, which decorated the embankment of the Sochi River. The Sochi residents emphasize that officials change the appearance of the city without listening to their opinions, and their attempts to obtain the clarification of the city administration of the reasons for cutting down the chestnuts were not successful.

"The purpose for that cutting down is unknown. They cut down ornamental chestnut trees that decorated the embankment of the Sochi River. There are no identifying marks about construction works," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Stepan Dolin, a local resident. He has added that he planted the chestnut trees by his own hands.

The Sochi residents made a phone call to the city administration. "However, no one can explain anything to us," says Rosa Pontelemonova, a resident of Konstitutsii Street.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has contacted the city forest and park management (ULPKH). Alexei Zhmailo, Senior Specialist of the ULPKH, has explained that their structure issued the permission to cut down ten chestnut trees to the "Shakhtospetsstroi" Company. According to Alexei Zhmailo, the organization is engaged in the modernization of the city collector.

"For a long time, sewer pipes were on top, creating a sleazy appearance. It was decided to "hide" the sewer pipes into the ground; however, it could be done only by cutting down the chestnut trees," Alexei Zhmailo has explained.

At the same time, the official has reported about signing of the agreement, according to which, instead of the cut down chestnut trees, the "Shakhtospetsstroi" Company will plant new mature trees after carrying out the works.

"Projected completion of works and planting of new trees are scheduled for this summer," the Senior Specialist of the ULPKH stated.

However, the Sochi residents claim that the number of the cut down chestnut trees exceed 10.

Residents of the urban district also believe that the city administration should initially inform them of the planned events and coordinate works with the society and only then conduct any construction works.

"We are tired of constant defending our city from people with axes and from the officials, who make decisions behind us without considering the opinion of the population," said Evgeny Zakharov, the member of the initiative group for the protection of green areas of the resort city.

The Sochi residents fear that the organization, which organized the cutting down of the chestnut trees, will not compensate the damage.

"The city does not control the performance of promises. The example is Tchaikovsky Street. Its sanitary and protective zone was cut down entirely; however, till present we do not see the promised compensations," said Evgeny Zakharov.