Preserve Mumbai’s green cover at any cost

Representation pic

Maharashtra Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar recently announced a plan to plant five lakh trees across 80 acres of land in Mumbai's Aarey Colony under the state government's ‘Green Maharashtra 300 Crore Tree Plantation' campaign, reported the Press Trust of India.

While green makes the heart sing, we have to take note of certain statements made while announcing the initiative. Rey has been recognised as a forest on paper. We now want to create a lush, thriving forest that will inspire future generations, the minister stated.

Vacant land parcels in the area were identified, and these will be greened or brought under the afforestation umbrella. There are also some mechanisms officials claimed to track and ensure sapling survival.

This sounds heartening, but there are very many land parcels, pocket-sized though they may be, in the city that need green drives. Identify spaces in the midst of the concrete jungle, so that the city can cool down and we have green not just near parks and forests but within concrete density.

When trees are cut for development, give back by having plantations in the same area rather than some far-flung spaces. That makes little to no sense. Replanting cannot happen miles away, and must be close to the site that has lost its green cover.

This so-called tracking of growth and sapling survival mechanisms must apply to all replantation efforts. We have to first fight to preserve every tree. If one tree simply has to go, make up for it as best as you can. Demolishing green cover in the heart of Mumbai and talking about afforestation elsewhere is pointless.