Saumya Misra

Edit Why do we not live in a jungle? Going by the records of the tree plantation that takes place every year during the monsoon season, we should be living in a jungle by now! In UP alone, last year a record 5 crore saplings were planted on a single day. In 20015 also, a record plantation was done and entered into the Limca World records. Earlier records are equally impressive. This year, more than 2.5 crore saplings are said to be planted in UP. Other states in India are not far behind and Maharashtra also created a record in tree plantation this year. However, the question is: If there are so many trees planted every year, why is there a continuous decline in green cover around us? Whatever may be the government records, the fact is greenery is declining and very rapidly too. Ambitious projects are being realized through Greenfield technology that makes use of virgin land, or land without a previous construction. What can that land be? Obviously, either the fertile farmer land, or various government department lands on which greenery exists, or the forest land! The farmers may get compensatory land on forest fringes and start encroaching upon reserved land. In any case, the green cover is being compromised and how! The recent spate in anti-encroachment drives by the forest department in various districts of UP is one welcome way of freeing forest land and planting it with trees. But again, the aim should be to ensure that it is not grabbed again once all the tree plantation fervor is over. The saplings should be allowed to grow into sturdy trees with a long life! During the monsoons, every patch of land from parks to riverbanks to various public and private campuses, not to mention the open spaces on the outskirts, are literally filled up with saplings. Then the next year this exercise is repeated, ironically mostly at the same places where the previous plantations were held. What does that signify? What exactly was the survival rate of the previously planted trees? Officially we do not get a precise answer, but unofficially it is clear that not many trees live on to see another rainy season. Is there a possibility that many trees are felled just so that new ones can be planted in a PDA for greenery during the rains? When there is hardly any land for human use, from where does all this land come up every year for trees? The high rate of felling, mostly illegal, is one responsible factor for this. This felling is not limited to the reserve forest areas or sanctuaries or even the outskirts. Even around us, trees on the pavements, in parks and other public places are being cut at an alarming rate. Don’t think that does not lead to a decline in green cover! Urban greenery is highly important, even critical, for our health and survival. But mostly we turn a blind eye, or even if we try to intervene, there is hardly anyone paying attention. All the talk about roping in the police etc is just that… mere talk! Unless and until we are determined to take up the cudgels on behalf of Nature, no authority can. Isn’t it high time we ask ourselves: Why are we not living in a jungle? Or more suitably: Why are we still living in a jungle of concrete?