Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world but it does have a  decent density of trees. The news that 16,500 trees are slated to be cut  for a redevelopment project in central Delhi has caused outrage among citizens. Environmental groups, the elderly and the young gathered over the weekend holding placards with slogans like, ‘Mujhe mat maaro,’ ‘Don’t cut down a life’ in Sarojini Nagar to save trees.

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

Rakhis were tied to trees. Many hugged the trees. It was Delhi’s Chipko moment. The protest was organised by Delhi Trees SOS campaign. Hashtags #SaveTreesSaveDelhi and many WhatsApp groups like ‘Save 16500’, ‘Delhi Blue Skies’ spread the word. A stand-up comedian, Vasu Primlani, is organising another protest and an appeal has been made to celebrities in the Hindi film industry for support.

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

Children say they are tired of wearing masks to school. It was becoming part of our school uniforms, they explained. “Last November, the situation was so bad that not just me, but all my friends had to buy masks. I don’t want to wear a mask again this year, and therefore I’ve joined the protest,” said a Class 8 student who lives in Sarojini Nagar.  

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

Severe pollution levels along with smog are an annual feature in Delhi during winter. But this year in summer the city was hit by severe dust storms and pollution levels rose alarmingly. The reason, again, is cutting of trees in the Aravalli range of hills in Gurgaon, Delhi’s expanding suburb. The state government launched a tree plantation drive after a sustained movement by environment groups. But, activists ask who will nurture those saplings which will take years to grow.

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

The Delhi High Court has put the government’s project in central Delhi on hold till July 4, the next hearing. The judge asked the National Buildings Construction Company which is overseeing the project, “Has the tree-cutting been approved by the green tribunal? You want to cut thousands of trees for housing. Can Delhi afford this?” 

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

Seven colonies, on prime land in south Delhi, are being redeveloped by the government. The first redeveloped colony in South Extension is almost completed. It is an ugly concrete jungle. Not a single tree can be seen.

Picture: SHREY GUPTA

An ambitious World Trade Centre is coming up in Nauroji Nagar. Citizens don’t know what this new monstrosity will look like. They were not informed and neither was their opinion asked for though this is their city.  

Picture: SHREY GUPTA