Concrete base chokes trees authorities show indifference
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Trees are dying in IP Extension. Their killer: the concrete base constructed around these that doesn't let rainwater percolate into the ground, leaving them parched. Making things worse is a monsoon that is bringing less rain year after year. A large number of trees are shedding their leaves across the area.
On asking some environmentalists, we came to know that the concrete base is the reason for the tree leaves drying up. We have spoken to some authorities but they do not show much concern," said Jeewesh Sharma, joint secretary of Residents Welfare Association of Vandana Apartments, IP Extension.
At times, roots of trees on footpaths are forced to come out, breaking the entire concrete structure. "On the one hand the government creates awareness to grow greenery all over the city and when people want to support the government, its own authorities don't want to make efforts to save the plantations. The concrete bases do not allow many trees to grow straight. If this continues, IP Extension will soon will be bereft of greenery," said HS Sharma, a senior citizen and a resident of IP Extension.
In October 2009, the Delhi High Court directed all civic agencies in the Capital to remove concrete tiles and slabs from around trees so that they can 'breathe', yet it seems the authorities in IP Extension are in no mood to adhere to this rule. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to remove concrete from around trees.
"The crude base around trees does not allow rain water to seep inside. Trees fall with the slightest of storms or a little downpour because their roots have become weak due to concretisation of pavements. During monsoon and heavy winds, trees shake in a dangerous way and pose a risk to people passing below," added Jeewesh Sharma.
A difference between trees on a concrete base and on natural base can clearly be seen at Vandana Apartments. On the side of Vandana society, where a brick pavement is maintained, trees are blossoming and on the opposite side where the road is concrete, the trees are drying up.
When Cityplus contacted Moolchand Sharma, deputy director horticulture, DDA he said, "It's true that as per Supreme Court's order all the authorities are instructed to leave some distance between a tree and the concrete flooring. However, DDA is liable for the DDA parks and the roads portion is dealt by MCD.”
—Tarun Khanna |
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