Amritsar’s green cover dwindles: Residents demand action to preserve trees, gardens

Amritsar, once celebrated for its lush greenery, has seen a significant decline in its tree cover over the past few years, all in the name of development. The construction of the 35-kilometre Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor has led to the removal of century-old trees, leaving residents disheartened, especially as air pollution reaches alarming levels. Other roads that have seen flyover construction in recent years also lost mature trees.

During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, many gardens and ‘Bagichas’ (community gardens) were established and the British later undertook extensive tree planting along city roads. Streets were named after trees, such as Jamnuan Wali Sarak and roads such as Mall Road, UBDC and GT Road were lined with native trees.

“This city was once a haven for nature lovers,” said local resident Gurinder Singh. “Now, it’s all concrete and dust. Those ancient trees were not only sources of shade but also historical landmarks.”

Historical gardens such as Company Bagh, Gol Bagh and Sakatri Bagh do not receive proper care. Many centuries-old trees have suffered due to neglect and a large number are uprooted each year. In the name of development, cement tiles, roads, pathways and sports facilities are being built in these gardens. “These gardens were our pride,” noted frequent visitor Saruti Mehta. “Now, they are neglected and poorly maintained. The once-serene atmosphere is gone.”

Residents are calling for accountability from the authorities. “With the Air Quality Index (AQI) now reaching 350, people are beginning to understand the importance of trees,” stated Sukhpreet Singh. “Development should not come at the expense of our environment. We need sustainable solutions, not destructive ones. We urge the authorities to rethink their development strategies, preserve our heritage, plant more trees and maintain our gardens. Amritsar’s beauty lies in its history and nature.”

Experts say restoring the city’s green cover will take time. “It’s not just about planting new trees,” said environmentalist PS Bhatty. “We need to ensure their survival and growth.”