The central government's decision to axe as many as 16,500 trees from various areas of the national Capital for the execution of seven major housing projects.
Demanding a right to fresh air and a cleaner surrounding, a mass agitation entitled 'Hug a tree campaign' was held near the Sarojini Nagar Police Station on Sunday questioning the central government's decision to axe as many as 16,500 trees from various areas of the national Capital for the execution of seven major housing projects.
The campaign is an initiative by Prerna Prasad, who approached masses through a WhatsApp group with a single-minded approach to save trees from being felled. The group involved members from every section of the society including students, environmental activists, educationalist and officials from various non-governmental organisation working for the improvement of the environment.
Prerna said that now they are planning for collective protests rather protest at different areas. Introducing the further plans, she added that we are planning for a 'relay protest' where everyday, different groups will appeal to the government till they abolish the order.
Many NGOs including the Green Circle from Dwarka and Chetna were leading the protest and have filled cases in the National Green Tribunal (NGT). They called it the Next Chipkoo movement. All the protesters tied green ribbons and hugged trees which is expected to face major threats.
The protest was also joined by some schoolchildren who know how important trees are for the environment.
Eleven-year-old girl Anindita said that I am so young but I have been taught that one tree can save six lives. So, the government should also know this that 16,500 is an enormous amount. Imagine how many lives they risking with this one move.
Among the protesters was a group of educationalists saying that the government is helping the young generation to question their preachings. Where from years, they are teaching children to save trees, the government is setting an example of killing 16,500 trees at a time without any assurance of retransplantation.
Poorhav (12), a resident of Sarojini Nagar said that these trees are here since ages and are the ultimate reason why Central Delhi is one of the best regions of the city is because of the trees. If these old, big and beautiful trees are cut off, then we will be left with a dust bowl Delhi.
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