You will be forgiven for thinking that this write-up is about tips and tricks on catching the attention of some blue-eyed beauty. Although, it is indeed about catching attention, the subject is far more serious and relevant. During the past few weeks, the complete stretch of trees along the road leading to my workplace has been systematically wiped out, supposedly to widen the roads.
It reminds me of a news story in the local newspapers some years ago, where the regulars at Sukhna (a spectacular man made lake in Chandigarh, my home town) vehemently opposed the cutting of branches of the oldest tree along the walking track. One of the many valid arguments put forth, being that generations had grown with it and that cutting it portrayed a complete indifference of the administration towards the sentiments of the community. Chandigarh Administration was quick to apologize. How sad then, that despite the massive scale of destruction over here (virtually the entire green belt along the road has been eliminated), no one even bothered to blink an eye. In the age of 24-hour news channels, where even the most irrelevant and ridiculous stories make their way into the news bulletins, this bare act just wasn’t sensational enough for a full blown coverage?
Not long ago, we were reminded that we have only a few years to save the earth from the disasters of global warming. Today, when climatic conditions are undergoing a rapid change globally and more and more nations are talking about conserving forests, here we are, witness to several trees cut mercilessly without any remorse or second thought.
While you may argue that cutting a few trees here and there will make no difference, this utter lack of sensitivity in bringing down several trees is surely shameful. Imagine the precedent that it sets. Wherever there is a possible traffic hazard or a commercial building coming up, eliminate the trees. As it is, the growth of residential areas in and around the tricity has consumed thousands of acres of forests.
It is agreed that with increasing population, more and more houses need to be built, roads constructed or broadened to tackle the increased volume of traffic. Yet, I wonder if we have already exhausted all other options so as to sacrifice trees and forests (some as old as two decades)? Can’t the governments or NGOs work on an awareness program that puts actual facts before the public, apprises them of the environmental challenges, and pushes the fact that they need to quickly figure out their role in tackling the crisis. Or is it that it suits the purses of our governments very well to indiscriminately allow the mushrooming of concrete structures?
Consider this; at the rate the population is growing, even these supposedly broader roads will one day become traffic nightmares. Then what? Will the administrations reach out to breach parts of our legitimate houses or land to broaden the roads even more? Trees cannot protest and hence are easy targets but I am sure that when our lands are invaded, we would create a ruckus. Has it even occurred to the residents (who I believe should have been at the forefront, leading the protests) in the affected areas that these trees have sheltered their properties for years and provided their present and past generations shade and fresh air? For their sake, had they united themselves, the government may well have felt the need to reconsider. Sadly, we saw none of that. It has somehow become our tendency not to bother about things that do not directly affect us. As long as we are breathing air or drinking water (no matter how polluted it may be), we have other important businesses of life to attend to.
So where are the solutions? Can the governments take it upon themselves to rectify the situation? The answer is yes and no. As I pointed out earlier, something as important as environmental conservation cannot be left entirely to the policymakers. An active public participation is mandatory. Change yourself and show the way. Drive less and smart, use public transport, walk or cycle to shorter distances, consider the carpool options to work or school, and work with your friends, colleagues, or neighbors to create awareness or share information. This remains our only hope.
As for now, the damage has been done. The least that we can do now is to make up for the overwhelming loss by planting as many trees and vegetation as we can. Perhaps Mother Nature will forgive us. If not, God help us for I am reminded of a Greenpeace slogan that said "When the last tree is cut and the last fish dead, we will discover that we cannot eat money". Think about it.
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