We need to start by planting ourselves
We Asked: Every year, ‘record plantation’ is done, but no greenery is evident around us. What are the causes for the same and how in your opinion can we get a greener world around us?
Trees are our saviours, our lifelines. They are the reason that mankind is still surviving. Although in recent times we have seen people becoming more environment friendly and there are plantation drives taking place with celebrities, politicians and high profile faces roped in to popularise the idea, it is just not sufficient enough. Despite all the ‘record plantation’ that is done no greenery is evident around us. We still see a dearth of greenery in our surroundings. Increasing commercialisation and population explosion have hampered this big time. Building roads, mines, malls and high rises takes precedence over planting more trees. We need to understand that if there were no trees our earth would become barren and arid. To save our Earth from being destroyed and to maintain the ecological balance, we, as responsible citizens, should do all that we can. There should be more plantation drives taking place and more people and organisations should come forward to be a part of this initiative. The state governments should take the responsibility of increasing the green cover of their respective states and cities thereof, in earnest. More gardens and parks should come up and beautification of the same may be done by the local bodies. There can be free distribution of saplings in housing societies, schools, offices and other public places so that more people realise the importance of plants. Events like Van Mahotsav should be organised and publicised more for a wider reach. Social media can be of great help in this. These are just some ways to increase and save our lifeline, that is, trees but as they say ‘charity begins at home’. So until and unless we, the citizens, do not become aware about its importance and do not possess the required civic sense nothing concrete can be done.- Tulika DasGupta,
Trees are extremely important and help in staining life on earth and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. It is crucial for us to counter problems such as deforestation and spread awareness about how these problems could potentially be disastrous, not only for humans, but for other life forms living on this planet as well. Every year, thousands of trees are planted, yet there is no greenery evident around us. This is happening due to various reasons. While there are many organisations and other parties propagating and encouraging plantation of trees, individual approach is nearly negligible. Industrial expansion and activities have destroyed many forest and tree cover. Due to the increase in population globally, more resources are being utilised without getting compensated for those which have already been used. The amount of deforestation greatly exceeds the rate of afforestation in the world. We as individuals need to plant more trees, by ourselves, instead of waiting for the government or some other organisations to plant them for us. Each person must do his own bit to plant trees and spread awareness. People can support business that plant trees and donate to a tree planting charity. We can encourage others to plant trees as well and protect existing trees. Above all, each person can plant tree in their own houses. Trees are essential for the future and survival of this planet. They provide oxygen to breathe, shelter, food, medicines, etc. They also help in controlling the amount of pollution in the world. Thus, it is exceedingly important to preserve and plant more trees. It is a prominent issue which needs to be addressed more and is a major cause which we can support and for which we can do our best to help. -Devika Mathur, Student
Topic of the month: Green patches and natural ponds in urban areas like Bakshi Ka Talab in Lucknow, for example, are falling a prey to builders for housing societies, causing a disruption in the lives of monkeys, beside birds etc, that lose their habitat and have to deal with a lot of trauma and physical abuse when they venture into residential colonies in desperation for survival. Who is responsible? Do you think the authorities concerned must check such malpractices of builders and not wait till the project is complete? Also, the law has to be understood (or even changed) in such cases and implemented stringently? Even individuals, who approach the court, go too late. Who do you think is at fault and how should we tackle this ‘theft’ of natural resources? You may send your views in 200 words at treetakemagazine@gmail. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
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