‘Govt must follow ignored rules,make Delhi greener’

The guidelines specified in 2000 clearly state that an area of 6×6 inches is to be left uncemented around trees to let them grow. They also specify that digging near trees is to be avoided,and tiling should be done only on pavements with heavy pedestrain traffic since the roots of these trees cannot survive heavy concretisation. Borker said none of these rules are being followed today,and this is primarily due to the lack of knowledge and sensitisation toward greening.

“We will be sending a list of recommendations to the Chief Secretary of Delhi,who has already expressed his support. In addition,we are also planning to create a space in the India International Centre,where we can inform people about these guidelines and provide proper sensitisation to junior-level officers.”

The recommendations will also include concerns raised on the method of tree planting,and plans for the future. Made by Professor C R Babu of the Delhi University,they maintain that the chief concern is lack of land.

“There is no land available in Delhi,where intensive planting can be done,except on the Yamuna river bank and some areas in the outskirts. Therefore,the focus should be on how we can maximise green cover within the available landspace,as increasing the green cover is the only way to battle climate change.”

Babu said that the density of trees in the city’s various gardens and parks can be increased manifold. “Rather than simply focussing on canopy trees,we can build a three-storied structure with underlying layers of smaller trees and grass. This will mimic the conditions of a forest,and the denser vegetation can form a local cloud cover that will ensure that moisture gets absorbed into the soil again,” he said.

The third step,he says,is to rethink the kind of trees that are selected for certain urban landscapes. “The planting of trees along avenues,central verges and flyovers needs a complete rethink. We have long been recommending that the central verge should have bushy trees such as bougainvillea or nerium,rather than standalone trees. The purpose of the central verge is to eliminate the glare coming from cars travelling in the opposite direction.”

Other points include the development of forested areas,bio-diversity parks and the rehabilitation of the Delhi ridge from the invasive Vilaiyati Kikar.