There is a lot of very justifiable dismay, concern and anger at the governments proposal to mow down some 16,500 trees in government housing colonies in Delhi earmarked for redevelopment. No matter how much building agencies promise that many saplings will be planted to replace every single full grown tree that is chopped down, we all know that will really never happen.
The colonies named recently are not the first to be razed for redevelopment into multistoried apartment blocks and commercial spaces, either in New Delhi or elsewhere in India. When there are twin pressures of accommodating skyrocketing populations (even of government servants) and monetising public land to help the exchequer, trees have very little chance of survival.
Given that there was bound to be an outcry against the summary execution of these leafy green Delhi denizens, it is surprising that the authorities have not even assured minimisation of such destruction. Examples abound where living and commercial spaces have been designed to work around existing flora and fauna. They are a test of both ingenuity and commitment to the planet.
But blame for blatant disregard for the importance of trees cannot be pinned exclusively on government potentates and agencies.
Private housing colonies and condominiums hardly privilege trees over parking spaces or additional floor area for apartments. Countless mature trees are cut down in residential areas every day so that there is access for stilt parking and fancy entrances.
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