The traditional school holidays in Delhi, once confined to the summer, and winter vacations, have evolved in recent years. Today, schools in the city are also closing for holidays every year due to dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. During such closures, residents express growing concerns about the escalating pollution, and the long-term negative effects it will have on the health and well-being of our children. While their concerns are entirely justified, and understandable, I find it rather hypocritical that they too are doing their bit to contribute to exacerbate the problem.
In gated communities, residential neighborhoods, and private properties, tree pruning is carried out recklessly. And the reasons are so absurd that it feels incredibly frustrating. Whether it is an aversion to falling leaves/branches, concerns about blocked sunlight or obstructed view or a mere preference for a tidier look, many residents order heavy trimming without understanding the science of proper pruning. In doing so, they overlook the fact that nature’s untamed beauty has its own charm and ecological significance.
What makes this situation concerning is that the government department responsible for regulating tree felling, and pruning appears to be struggling with effective enforcement. Rather than strictly implementing the guidelines, and closely monitoring tree maintenance, there are instances where they carry out excessive cutting under the pretext of upkeep. Additionally, the workers assigned for pruning often seem to lack specialised training. Without adequate knowledge of proper tree care, they tend to follow instructions from residents, who may also be unfamiliar with responsible pruning practices. As a result, instead of assessing tree health, and applying scientific pruning methods, large branches are sometimes removed indiscriminately, sometimes leaving nothing but a bare stump.
The irony in all this is striking: after mindlessly felling or severely pruning the very trees that have been growing for decades, the same individuals then turn around, and spend thousands of rupees on potted plants, hoping to achieve the same benefits — like air purification, and aesthetic value — that mature trees naturally provide on a much larger scale. This contradiction highlights a deep misunderstanding of the ecological importance of full-grown trees considering that a single large tree can contribute more to carbon sequestration, temperature regulation and habitat support than an entire room full of indoor plants. According to the US Department of Agriculture, in one year a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. In contrast potted plant might absorb only around 1 to 3 pounds (0.45 to 1.36 kg) of carbon dioxide.
The irony doesn’t end here. Even after being aware that big trees can reduce surrounding temperatures (According to a Lancet planting more trees would reduce the mean temperature by 0.4C), they end up recklessly pruning trees and then turning to artificial means-air conditioners (ACs) — to cope with the heat, which directly contributes to higher energy consumption and exacerbates pollution.
Potted plants have become a modern symbol of eco-consciousness and sophistication. They are easy to maintain, visually appealing, and fit neatly into the minimalist designs of contemporary homes. According to various reports, the global indoor plant market is a significantly growing market. Social media has further fueled this trend. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with images of lush, green interiors that inspire people to create their own indoor jungles. While potted plants offer undeniable benefits — better air quality, stress relief, and aesthetics — they can never replace the vast environmental advantages of green cover outdoors. It’s a troubling paradox that many of us, when choosing where to live, prioritise green spaces and lush surroundings. We are willing to pay a premium for homes in neighborhoods that are green and tree-filled, valuing the tranquility, air quality and natural beauty that these spaces offer — help lowering stress, improving air quality, reducing noise, and providing aesthetic appeal. However, once we settle into these neighborhoods, the very greenery we sought out is often the first thing we end up destroying.
This behavior speaks of our disconnect between our environmental consciousness and our daily actions. We champion sustainability, advocate for cleaner air, and lament rising temperatures, yet our choices — whether it’s cutting down trees for convenience, over-relying on air conditioning, or prioritising aesthetics over ecological balance — contradict these very concerns.
The writer is Additional Director, Research Division, Rajya Sabha Secretariat