Once signature charm of Palampur, deodar trees being sacrificed at altar of urbanisation

Nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Palampur city is an ideal retreat for individuals seeking an escape from hectic city life. However, like the other famous hill stations of the state, Palampur, too, faces the danger of indiscriminate human activity. The city is losing its green cover but the Forest Department and other local authorities seem unconcerned.

Deodar trees, which at one time enhanced the beauty of the city, are vanishing day by day. Dozens of deodar trees in front of the Public Works Department (PWD) rest house, Municipal Corporation office and the Rotary Bhawan have dried up but the authorities concerned are taking no measures to find out the cause of the problem.

In the past few years, various government departments had implemented forest laws seriously. Immediate action is needed to preserve the green cover of the city and restore its natural beauty before it is lost forever.

“At present, the population of Palampur is around 60,000 and it is expected to rise to 70,000 in the next five years. Indiscriminate human activity has taken us to the edge of an impending calamity,” says an environmentalist.

The rapid urbanisation of Palampur and its surrounding areas is posing a threat to the city’s green cover, marring its scenic beauty. The mushrooming of concrete structures has led to extensive deforestation but the Municipal Corporation, Forest Department and other environmental agencies appear to be indifferent to the situation in this once-lush tea city. Unplanned construction on the banks of local rivers and rivulets in gross violation of rules is a matter of concern.

Reckless cutting and lopping of trees have been observed, especially in areas where new housing colonies are being developed. Among the most affected are deodar trees, the signature charm of Palampur, planted by the British over 175 years ago. Over the past decade, more than 200 deodar trees in key areas, including the PWD Rest House, MC office, Rotary Bhawan, old bus stand and the SDM office compound had either been axed, uprooted or left to dry. Though there has been an alarming decline in the number of deodar trees, no investigation has been conducted to determine the reasons behind their disappearance.

The lack of reforestation efforts is adding to the problem. While Van Mahotsava is celebrated every year with much fanfare and sapling plantation drives involving VVIPs are conducted, trees often do not survive due to negligence. “The population of Palampur, currently around 60,000, is projected to rise to 70,000 in the next five years. Indiscriminate human activity has brought us to the brink of environmental chaos,” says local environmentalists Kulbhushan Ralhan and Neelam, who have been vocal over the issue.

Jatinder Katoch, a retired Engineer-in-Chief, expresses concern over environmental degradation in the city. “Scientists, engineers, senior politicians and civil servants, who have settled in Palampur city, should contribute with their expertise towards its sustainable development. Through public-private partnerships, we can foster social and environmental change,” he says.

Katoch also highlights the importance of educating the public and working in collaboration with the state government to achieve these objectives.