Integrate nature into city’s development

Plantation drives can mitigate negative impact

Trees are vital for maintaining ecological balance, improving air quality and reducing the urban heat effect. Rampant tree felling across Jalandhar not only depletes our dwindling green cover but also threatens public health by aggravating respiratory issues. Development cannot come at the cost of environmental degradation. The authorities should adopt a more sustainable approach, which includes mandatory replantation and the preservation of mature trees whenever possible. Constructing green belts, enhancing public awareness and involving local communities in tree-planting drives can mitigate the negative impact of urban expansion. We need stricter implementation of existing regulations to ensure that each tree cut is replaced, if not outnumbered, by new saplings. A greener, healthier Jalandhar is possible if we prioritise long-term environmental gains over short-sighted infrastructural projects. Dr Kashish Malhotra

Nurture trees for better city growth

If we take a bird's eye view of the statistics of plantation on the occasion of Van Mahotsava in the past years, the entire land of Punjab will be seen adorned with trees, but after some time, many trees vanish. Only a few people consider it their duty to take care of them. It is unfortunate that we do not hesitate to sacrifice trees for our selfish interests. This is the reason why the environment is getting polluted day by day. There are laws to stop the indiscriminate cutting of trees, but these are not being implemented properly. I wish our governments pay special attention to this serious issue and ensure the care of newly planted trees as well as their maintenance until these grow up. Dr Kamlesh Duggal

Rampant tree-cutting unfortunate

In Jalandhar, the rampant cutting of trees for development projects has become a serious concern. Despite the growing need for urban expansion, unchecked deforestation is significantly impacting the environment. Recent reports indicate that in the last few years, large-scale tree cutting has taken place for road-widening projects, construction of hospitals and infrastructure development. To curb this issue, the administration must introduce more robust policies that require developers to not only replace trees that are cut but also to plant additional trees in nearby areas as compensation. Ensuring that every tree lost is matched with a sustainable replacement can help preserve Jalandhar's green spaces and ensure the well-being of future generations. Further, the administration should implement a green certification system for construction projects, where buildings that preserve or enhance their surrounding green cover are rewarded with certification. This would encourage developers to incorporate more green spaces and minimise tree removal. Last but not the least , the city can designate specific areas as "tree conservation zones", where development is strictly limited or prohibited. These zones could be part of parks, historical sites or areas with valuable ecological resources, helping to protect green spaces from future urbanisation. Sustainability should be the key factor in developing the city. Protima Mander

Preserve Jalandhar's green cover

The large-scale felling of trees in Jalandhar is alarming, especially with inadequate re-plantation. Trees are essential for maintaining air quality, controlling temperatures and supporting bio-diversity. The city already faces water and sewage issues, alongside rising respiratory diseases. Further loss of green cover will worsen these problems. Unplanned urbanisation must not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The administration should enforce mandatory plantation before any tree removal. Promoting vertical gardens, urban forests and community-led afforestation can help restore balance. Sustainable development requires a thoughtful approach where urban grown aligns with environmental preservation. Neglecting the city's ecological health will lead to long-term consequences for its residents. Protecting Jalandhar's green cover is not just an environmental necessity but also a responsibility towards future generations. Tripta Bhatia

Engage public in tree plantation

Rampant tree cutting is a serious environmental concern leading to climate change, biodiversity loss and increased air pollution. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing soil erosion and sustaining wildlife habitats. On the contrary, deforestation contributes to extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts. To combat this issue, serious legal measures need to be implemented. Afforestation programmes must be promoted, ensuring that for every tree cut, more are planted. Rooftop gardens, vertical plantations can be a solution. Community awareness campaigns can educate people on the importance of trees and encourage active participation in conservation efforts.The government should provide incentives for preserving trees and adopting sustainable development practices. A collective effort is necessary to protect our environment for future generations. Harleen Duggal

Penalise those into deforestation

The unchecked and widespread cutting of trees or deforestation poses a severe threat to our planet by disturbing our ecosystems, contributing to climate change, impacting human livelihoods and biodiversity. Deforestation destroys the homes of countless plants and animals. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and deforestation releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, which causes climate change. Trees help to hold soil in place and their removal leads to increased soil erosion which can cause landslides, reduce soil fertility and pollute water. Forests play an important role in water cycle and their removal can lead to decrease in rainfall. Forests provide food, medicine and other resources that are essential to human beings as well as animals. My suggestion is that people cutting trees should pay a heavy fine to the government. This will cause less deforestation. Cutting trees should be banned in all parts of the world for the survival of our earth. Avni

Save trees, save our city

I am five years old studying in A Pee Jay School, Jalandhar. I love trees because they give us shade, clean air, and a home for birds. But I feel sad when I see trees being cut. Can we save them? Maybe we can build around trees, plant new ones, and make more parks so trees can stay with us. If we save trees, our city will be green, fresh, and happy. Let's take care of our tree friends! Tejasvi

Greenery vital for well-being of all

The major causes of this issue are human activities such as logging, mining and infrastructure expansion. Sometimes, I feel that in future, people will become so selfish that they will cut down trees wherever they find these, even on roads. In many foreign countries, people believe that planting trees helps keep their country pollution-free, clean and beautiful. They understand the importance of increasing greenery for their well-being. Attracted by such clean and healthy surroundings, many individuals aspire to settle abroad for a better environment. People naturally seek beautiful and healthy surroundings, yet here, trees are not valued as these should be. This leads to biodiversity loss and worsens climate change. Rising CO? levels are a growing concern, as trees play a crucial role in absorbing toxic elements from the atmosphere. Kadambari

Invest in nature for long-term benefits

I still remember the horrifying sight of innumerable 40-year-young trees, brutally "assassinated" at the Civil Hospital, heartlessly dragged from their roots, bleeding profusely and lying dead. That sight still haunts me. However, nothing could be done since the authorities had valid permission, but what about consciousness? Isn't it dying a quick death these days? What was required was a technically experienced team of qualified architects that could plan, guide and help design a green building as per the norms and ethics. While the whole world right now is facing climate emergency, our city seems to be turning a blind eye towards every approaching catastrophe. Value of one single tree. It's home to biodiversity, helps in water purification, water recharge without heavy monetary investments, reduces temperature, sieves the pollutants, keeps a check on the AQI, provides fresh air & pacifies Western Disturbances, cutting down on calamities... do we still need more? It's time we start long-term investments in nature so that we are able to reap fruits of health and savings in future. Meenal Verma

Adopt sustainable planning

Tree-cutting in Jalandhar in the name of development is concerning, especially given the rising environmental challenges in the city. To mitigate the negative impacts of such development, the administration should adopt more sustainable planning and construction practices. One potential solution is to integrate green infrastructure into urban development projects. This could include the creation of green belts, rooftop gardens and vertical forests, which would help preserve the remaining tree cover while still allowing for urban expansion. Additionally, planting native and drought-resistant species can enhance the green cover without taxing the city's water resources. Furthermore, effective urban planning should prioritise eco-friendly construction techniques, such as building with materials that minimise environmental harm and using energy-efficient designs. This would help reduce pollution levels, which is especially important given the rising respiratory diseases in the region. Finally, the administration should encourage public awareness campaigns about the importance of trees and involve local communities in tree planting and conservation efforts. This could help foster a sense of responsibility towards nature and ensure that development is both progressive and sustainable. By focusing on smart growth and environmental stewardship, Jalandhar can grow without sacrificing its vital green spaces. Mehreen

Repurpose existing, old buildings

In Jalandhar, reusing existing buildings can be an effective strategy to address the city's urbanisation challenges while preserving its heritage and promoting sustainability. Instead of demolishing old structures, the administration should explore adaptive reuse, where existing buildings are repurposed for new functions. For instance, old factories, schools or government buildings could be transformed into community centres, offices or residential spaces. This approach reduces construction waste and the need for new raw materials, which also lowers carbon emissions. Also renovating and upgrading old buildings to meet modern safety and energy efficiency standards can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to new construction. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient windows and adding solar panels can significantly reduce energy consumption and make old buildings more sustainable. Mehr Dandiwal

Air quality a casualty of deforestation

Unauthorised felling of trees in Jalandhar city has serious implications for its people and environment. The most significant one is the deterioration of air quality. Trees serve as natural air filters, which remove pollutants and emit oxygen. With a reduced number of trees, pollution increases, worsening respiratory diseases and allergies among the residents. The loss of greenery also causes increased temperatures, leading to hotter summers. The residents of Jalandhar have to pay more for energy as they depend more on cooling devices and air-conditioners. In addition, the lack of trees causes soil erosion, resulting in decreased agricultural output and disruption of livelihoods. Moreover, deforestation upsets the balance of nature by killing bird and animal habitats, lessening biodiversity. Urban noise pollution also increases, as trees are natural sound screens. This illegal act requires strict regulation and more trees should be planted in city.

Aditi

Water shortage, Groundwater Stress

Jalandhar has witnessed serpentine queues and a water crisis in various areas during the peak of summer. Over the years, the problem has been addressed in some areas, but the incessant burden on the city’s groundwater reserves, coupled with rampant construction, has overall aggravated the water situation. Amidst this, the stalled water supply mechanisms, including motors, tube wells, etc., pose a huge danger for residents in the summer. They must be fixed at the earliest. Shivpal Sandhu

Green structures decrease in city areas

Jalandhar is dealing with some serious environmental and social issues because people keep cutting down trees illegally. Because of this deforestation, the air is getting more polluted since there are fewer trees to clean it. This has caused more breathing problems for people who live there, especially kids and older folks. Also, because of the missing trees, the city is getting hotter in the summer. The illegal tree cutting has decreased the green space, hurting local wildlife by wrecking their homes. Soil is being washed away more easily, which makes drainage worse and increases the risk of flooding when it rains. The noise is also bad since there aren't trees to block the sounds from cars and factories. Even though there are rules against this stuff, these are not enforced, and the timber traders continue doing what they are doing, which makes the environment and people's health worse. Anurag Duggal

Management of trees essential

When mountains develop big cracks during heavy rains, only one question comes to my mind: Who is to blame? Nature or man? In the name of development, we are continuously cutting trees to make roads, urbanise our lives and build skyscrapers. Perhaps, we fail to realise that in doing so, we are killing our own pure air. Cutting trees might fulfill some of our immediate needs, but long-term needs and a long life can only be ensured by planting trees. We must not reach a point where all we have left is destruction, or where we too cease to exist. Therefore, it is crucial to manage trees properly so that seamless development continues and both trees and our lives are preserved. Dr Nidhi Sharma

Saving trees duty of all

From childhood, we have heard that trees are our best friends but in practical life, we hardly see anyone who treats trees as their friends. They are the most valuable life source on the earth as these provide oxygen and benefit every life form in a direct or indirect way. And the earth is connected to them to maintain a natural balance, so it becomes our responsibility to save them. The least we can do is do plantation on our home rooftops or garden and ask our neighbours to do the same. Also, if we see the cutting of a tree, we should inform the local authorities about the same. Above all, strict laws should be made for people who illegally cut trees for their benefit. Let's save trees for future generations so that they can also breathe in fresh air.

Dr Sakshi Malhotra