Not long ago, most urban homes had trees. Bungalows had trees and gardens. Residential areas had parks. Streets had magnificent shade-offering trees. There were traffic islands and roundabouts with cool flower gardens, shrubs, lawns and fountains. Flower shows and garden competitions were big events in the city’s summer calendar.
Summers saw spathodeas, acacias, delonix regia, tabebuias, jacarandas, and rain trees burst forth in vibrant flowers even as many formed beautiful canopies. Birds, butterflies and other fauna frolicked in the greenery. City elders talked of enhancing the green space by enriching parks and water bodies, so that everyone, particularly children, experienced the magical splendour of nature in close quarters.
Verdant areas and the abundance of flora and fauna marked cities such as Bangalore, Pune and Chennai. Visitors were invariably bowled over by the urban biodiversity that integrated social, cultural and economic values.
All that has changed with unplanned and unbridled growth of India’s urban areas — largely due to the rush from rural areas to the city.
Take Bangalore. It faces a massive space crunch. Bungalows with abundant trees and extensive gardens have become tree-less, concrete jungles of hi-rises. Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Ulsoor Lake and such recreational and breathing spaces, developed more than 100 years ago, are hard pressed for present needs. A situation that makes one wonder about the tag, Garden City.
Fortunately, IT and pharmaceutical firms, universities and research campuses that have extensive lawns, gardens and trees provide some respite. Downtown areas, though, cry for space and urban forestry.
Overall, the city’s green spread is uneven. Bald patches strike the eye. There is a perceptible increase in air temperature, dust and sand encroachment. The Bangalore situation is not unique.
In Indian metros, commercial factors over ride aesthetics and eco-considerations. Trees on thoroughfares are continuously ravaged. They are felled to make way for roads or buildings and other reasons. Tree branches and canopies are indiscriminately hacked to make way for overhead wires. Water bodies are fast becoming history. Tranquil spaces are hard to find.
Meanwhile, in the developed world, cities are moving on lines that are more progressive. There is a concerted effort and a discernible trend towards a clean, and greener environment. The move is an outcome of enlightened self-interest — concern for the health of citizens, improved quality of life, and local economy.
This paradigm shift is reflected in the new city landscape. Buildings, offices and living spaces are turning green.
Indoor plants, vegetation outside, strategically placed fountains and mini waterfalls, and such eco-friendly aspects are being factored in for creating a “natural” ambience. In public places, avenues and green road medians get close attention. New trees replace old ones. The hunt for space to have grass, shrubs and flowering bushes is a continuous one. Skilful use of treated wastewater or rainwater, and drip irrigation technology enables flourishing plant life.
Concomitantly, world cities are moving towards fewer vehicles on the road by improving parking utilities and concentrating on public transport that is faster, more reliable, and less polluting to make the environment better.
A Green Building movement touted by architects, landscape artists, environmentalists and other specialists encourages healthy indoor environment, optimises energy efficiency, and conserves natural resources.
Civic authorities are clued in to these pressing town planning and design issues. In Tokyo, Toronto, London and New York, for instance, greening of buildings and roof gardens, are emerging in the most unlikely places.
Simultaneously, as rainwater is being harvested and the ambient air is filtered, the demand for power and air conditioning are sliding.
“Like a tiny seed carried by a late summer breeze, the idea of cultivating plants on rooftops has spread from Europe to North America and around the world,” observes Donald Dawson, Nation Geographic News. Today world cities see green roofs as a vital part of the environmental programme to make the city greener, cleaner and energy efficient.
The impetus behind such initiatives is the hope that green roofs will reduce the “urban heat island effect” — an offshoot of excessive cementing, tarring, stoning pavements and public ways, and roofs that absorb solar energy and re-radiate it as heat.
Studies by the Columbia University show that green roofs dramatically lower roof surface temperatures. The surface temperatures on green roofs are many degrees cooler than conventional roofs during summer. As a result, there is lower consumption of energy, and reduction in carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Critics say green roofs are expensive to install and maintain. It is contended that cheaper reflective roofs — roofs with silver paint — are just as effective in cooling rooftops because they reflect sunrays.
Whatever the technology, it is clear that the future of urban areas require a vision and will to tackle the issues promptly and with imagination. India has a hoary tradition of respecting and protecting trees, and ensuring that greenery is revitalised and healthy lung space is available for habitation. Hi-tech methods can supplement and speed up this effort, and ensure a green tomorrow.
