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Sacrificing greens for cars

Last Updated 01 November 2012, 14:54 IST

Save trees, save the planet – you must have heard this slogan many times. But, have you bothered to speculate on the relation between the two? It may sound simple and straightforward but the fact is that efforts being made to save trees and in the long run help take care of the planet are not enough.

The situation closer home, read Delhi, is alarming to say the least. Despite strictures, trees are being chopped each day in the Capital to make way for swanky cars and two-wheelers.

Recently, a tree census was carried out in Sarvodaya Enclave, in south Delhi where it was found that 4,011 people are living with 1, 583 vehicles and 1, 122 trees.

The tree census which was begun in April 2011 and ended in May this year, revealing disturbing observations. The colony has more vehicles than trees, and even these are highly vulnerable due to rampant construction and senseless pruning.

The report also says that over 49 per cent of the 430 damaged trees were found to be heavily lopped; 9.42 per cent had nails driven into them, while 0.97 per cent were choked by tree guards.

Suhas Borkar, founder member of Green Circle of Delhi, an NGO working for the environment, adds that the condition mirrors the general condition of trees in Delhi. “There are rules to safeguard trees but nobody takes them seriously. A space of six feet by six feet should be left around trees while paving footpaths but that is not followed. NDMC runs a successful tree ambulance that repair damaged trees. Each municipal agency should be armed with such ambulance.”

A lot of trees also are used as substitutes for poles. Akshima Tejas Ghate, fellow and Area Convenor, Centre for Research on Sustainable Urban Development and TERI also shared her concerns. “It is common sense that cutting of trees will lead to heating of the environment. Due to roads and increase in construction, temperature increases in such pockets. Each day Delhi gets more than 1200 cars which adds to the pollution.”
Delhi is going the American model of de-pedestrianisation which is an unsustainable model of development. Cycles are being wiped out of the roads as more and more people prefer only cars.

“People should use more of public transport, less air conditioners and also fight for the green cover to remain in their area as well.

People need to influence the government in their policies to save the environment and not add to environment problems by cutting down trees,” shared Tykee Malhotra, an environmentalist.

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(Published 01 November 2012, 14:54 IST)

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