Innovative protests erupt across India against massive tree felling for development
Across India, thousands of trees are being felled for development projects, leading to innovative protests by citizens and environmentalists. Examples include road-widening in Uttarakhand, a mall in Rajasthan, and Kumbh Mela preparations in Maharashtra. Protesters in Dehradun adopted a silent 'homage' reminiscent of the Chipko Movement, while in Jaipur, human chains formed to protect the 'Taron ki Koont' forest. Environmentalists highlight the failure of tree translocation and the inadequacy of compensatory afforestation, stressing the ecological and cultural significance of old trees. Despite widespread tree loss, some campaigns have achieved victories, like saving the 'Chevella banyans' in Hyderabad and preserving a large part of Delhi's Ridge.
Key Points
- Thousands of trees are being cut across India for various development projects, including infrastructure and religious festivals.
- Citizens and environmentalists are employing innovative protest methods, from silent 'homages' to human chains, reminiscent of the Chipko Movement.
- Concerns are raised about the ineffectiveness of tree translocation and compensatory afforestation in replacing the ecological services of mature trees.
- Significant tree loss is reported in Uttarakhand (83,000 trees in 5 years), Rajasthan (600 trees for a mall), and Maharashtra (5,000 trees for Kumbh Mela).
- Despite the challenges, some environmental campaigns have succeeded, such as saving the 'Chevella banyans' in Hyderabad and preserving a large section of Delhi's Ridge.
Exam Facts
- Chipko Movement: originated in Chamoli district (erstwhile Uttar Pradesh, now Uttarakhand).
- 'Taron ki Koont' forest: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- 'Chevella banyans' campaign: Hyderabad.
- Delhi's Ridge: 673.32 ha recognized as a 'reserved forest'.
- Author of Cities and Canopies: Trees in Indian Cities: Harini Nagendra.
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