Residents of Al Qurum street cried foul over the chopping of shade trees from the beach road all the way to Crowne Plaza that stood on both sides of the street. Many Omanis come to the lay-by to take photographs of their cars against a green background.
These trees which have been there for over 30 years and habitat to many birds and other creatures enjoying the expanse of the green area have been cut down, residents said.
"We were very taken aback by this beautiful tunnel of green, which was mutilated so suddenly. It’s a very sad site. Now there is no shade for people to enjoy," said Maggie Jeans OBE, a longtime resident of the area.
When contacted, a spokesperson from the Environment Authority (EA) confirmed that these trees were cut due to their potential environmental threat and the roots are damaging drainage pipes around.
"These their roots could destroy the drainage pipes in the residential areas and this is why they have been cut and removed," the representative of EA said.
However, residents wondered if they had been standing there for more than three decades, how could they now pose a threat to the surroundings.
"These trees are Kuwaiti Conocarpus trees with deep roots. So are they planning to fell the whole lot?!," another resident asked.
Nonetheless, a visit to this area now is really appalling. Those trees which were standing head and shoulders above giving shade to those walkers and joggers on either side of the road are missing. One can feel the harsh sunlight and the hot wind from the sea blowing which were otherwise shielded by the huge branches of these green towers.
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