Restraint on cutting of trees: NGT decision does not go down well with city residents
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, mAY 25
With National Green Tribunals (NGT’s) decision to salvage the left over green cover in Punjab and restraining the state government from chopping any more trees without its permission, the green brigade has also given a nod to the agreement. Many call it a ‘too-little-too-late’ decision, while others are hoping that some good might come out if it as the government has been asked to take a stock of the lost green cover.
Amritsar has witnessed huge protests and campaigns against cutting of trees last year for the bus rapid transit system (BRTS) and various other projects. We ask the citizens about the take on the decision and its impact on the dismal green cover in the state.
"Like many other decisions and announcements, this one too might just end up being a ‘verbal’ ploy only to be forgotten after a few days. First there was rampant cutting of trees by government. Even 200-year-old trees with historical significance were not spared. The general apathy towards such issues will only end up complicating things for us." Paramjit Singh, BUSINESSMAN
"This decision might have come late considering that already too many trees have been cut due to development projects not just in one city, but across the state. Still it will help stop deforestation in state at an alarming rate. Also, to ensure sustainable development, the government should replace the green cover lost by massive plantation in cities that have been the worst hit, including Amritsar." Tanu Sharma, student
"It’s not a question of sooner or later, but having a plan of action here. Amritsar was witnessing a cutting-spree of sorts, with trees being felt left right and centre. The administration did not gave much thought when it planted palm and eucalyptus trees to replace the green cover as they do not give shade, take too long to grow and consume much water. But with the NGT’s interference, we might hope that the state recovers some of its lost greenery." Dr Swaraj Grover, SOCIAL ACTIVIST
"Amritsar had less than 10 per cent of its total area under green cover. After cutting of trees, the percentage now stands somewhere around 1 to 1.5. So, one can imagine how adversely it has affected the environment around us. I think that the NGT should now maintain the pressure on the government to replace trees cut down for various reasons." Ramninder Kaur, house wife
