Urgent Call for Sustainable Development Amid Environmental Concerns

Environmental Degradation and Development Dilemma

Recent alarming trends regarding the degradation of the state's natural environment have overshadowed our customary observance of World Environment Day. The government appears eager to push forward with development initiatives at any expense, leading to a disruptive and thoughtless approach that shows little sign of reversal. A significant aspect of this reckless development model is the extensive cutting down of mature trees, with tens of thousands lost across the state. Just a few months ago, trees near Rabindra Bhawan on GNB Road were felled under the pretext of constructing a flyover, sparking widespread protests. When faced with demonstrators, the Public Works Department (PWD) claimed they were merely “pruning” the trees for “translocation,” despite having removed substantial portions of them. If there are plans for replanting after the trees are removed, such intentions should have been communicated to the public beforehand, rather than executing the cuts secretly during the night.

Every time a development project, like road construction or renovation, is initiated, trees seem to be the first victims, with no consideration for environmentally friendly alternatives. The capital city has seen a significant increase in temperatures, having lost thousands of trees—many of which were mature and supported diverse wildlife—over the past two years in the name of development. Iconic old trees along roadsides in areas such as Kachari, Panbazar, and Jawahar Nagar have been sacrificed for misguided developmental goals. The authorities, blinded by a narrow vision of progress, have disregarded the importance of preserving our natural environment and fail to consider that project designs can be modified to avoid unnecessary tree removal. It is crucial to recognize the urgent need for more trees, especially in urban settings, to mitigate the impacts of an impending climate crisis. As our cities rapidly lose greenery and open spaces, transforming into heat islands due to unchecked and illogical expansion, a reevaluation of our development strategies is essential. The trees being cut down have stood for decades, providing shade for commuters and helping to reduce air pollution. Their presence along roadways is vital, as they lower temperatures, filter dust and pollutants, and offer shelter to various species.