A Minsk Resident: Why Do We Need Government Agencies Like This?

City officials are ignoring residents' complaints.

A resident of Minsk was unable to get an answer to her question about why trees were being cut down on Parkhomenko Street in the center of the capital.

“On the pressing issue of ‘tree cutting,’ — writes @ti_22.02 on Threads. — They’re planning to cut down the trees on this street. Today I wasn’t able to get an answer from the Central District’s “Zelenstroy” about why the trees are being cut down, and tomorrow they’ll be gone! Soon we’ll be living surrounded by concrete. What’s the problem with these trees?”

The author of the post shared a photo of the street, which is still lush with greenery, as well as a photo of a notice warning about the tree removal. The only way she sees to prevent the destruction of the trees is to reach out to the media.

“Everyone was indifferent, passing the buck to one another. Calling the City Construction Commission and the Central District Administration didn’t help—they also referred me to ‘Zelenstroy,’” she writes. “No one wants to take responsibility for anything, and to shift the blame, they’re simply cutting down all the trees without planting any replacements.

I don’t understand why we need government agencies whose sole purpose seems to be destroying everything and making no effort to preserve anything. Please let me know of any media outlets that can help cover this issue in Minsk.”

Minsk residents have reported on social media that trees are also being cut down in other parts of the capital. The website Charter97.org features some comments:

— Today, all the poplars on the grounds of the trade college were cut down.

— It’s the same story on Sverdlov and Kirov Streets.

— This is getting ridiculous—no trees, no problems. When is it our turn?

— Trees need to be monitored; you have to rake up the leaves—they might fall on cars. It’s just a hassle, really. No trees—no problems. That’s probably the reason behind this war on trees.

— It’s painful to watch all this.

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