Unless reversed, the deforestation in Delhi will lead to its desertification, says HC
Mahatma Gandhi rightly said that what we do to forests is but a reflection of what we are doing unto ourselves. And this apathy to our environment is now causing us untold miseries. The Delhi High Court has issued a dire warning, observing that if the current deforestation trends continue, the city could become a barren desert. This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for sustainable environmental policies and practices. As urbanisation, construction and pollution intensify, the green cover in Delhi and other metropolitan areas is rapidly depleting, leading to severe ecological and climatic consequences. Delhi's deforestation crisis is fuelled by several factors, including rampant construction, illegal logging and urban expansion. The city's green spaces are shrinking, leading to increased pollution levels, a rise in temperatures and a reduction in natural groundwater recharge areas. The adverse effects are already evident in the city's deteriorating air quality, with smog and particulate matter reaching hazardous levels during winter months. The reduction in tree cover also exacerbates the urban heat island effect, making Delhi increasingly uninhabitable during summer.
The High Court's stark warning underscores the broader implications of this environmental degradation. Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, temperature regulation and maintaining biodiversity. Their removal disrupts these natural processes, leading to soil erosion, loss of habitat for wildlife and a decline in the overall quality of life. If the current trajectory continues, Delhi could face rising temperatures, severe water shortages, loss of biodiversity and a significant decline in public health due to worsening air quality. Unfortunately, the general tendency is that the Government should do something about it, but the people themselves can bring about a substantial change. In stark contrast to Delhi's environmental challenges, the village of Piplantri in Rajasthan offers a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development. Located near Udaipur, Piplantri has gained international acclaim for its unique initiative of planting 111 saplings every time a girl is born in the village. This practice, started by former village head Shyam Sundar Paliwal in the memory of his deceased daughter, has transformed the village's landscape and socio-economic fabric. Since its inception, Piplantri has planted over 350,000 trees, turning the once arid region lush green. This has had multiple benefits of improving air quality, increasing groundwater levels and fostering a sense of community ownership over local resources. The initiative also challenges the deeply rooted gender biases in rural India. The environmental benefits in Piplantri are manifold. The increased green cover has helped combat soil erosion, improved agricultural productivity and provided habitat for various species, thus enhancing biodiversity. Delhi's situation and Piplantri's success highlight the critical need for proactive environmental policies and community engagement. Urban areas like Delhi can draw several lessons from Piplantri's example.
