Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Delhi: Trees Uprooted and Tragic Incident Reported

Severe Rainfall Causes Disruption in Delhi

On Thursday, Delhi experienced intense rainfall that not only flooded the streets and disrupted traffic but also adversely affected the city's greenery, resulting in the uprooting of over 25 trees during the day.

One tragic incident occurred on the busy Kalakaji Road, where a fallen tree crushed a car, leading to the death of a 50-year-old man and leaving his daughter in critical condition as she fights for her life.

Environmentalists attribute this issue largely to the excessive use of concrete around trees.

Concrete Surrounding Trees Weakens Their Health

Experts argue that the practice of sealing the area between sidewalks and roads with concrete often extends to the bases of trees. While this is intended to enhance cleanliness and durability, it ultimately deprives trees of essential nutrients, causing them to weaken over time.

Sunil Kumar Aleidia, Executive Director of the Center for Holistic Development, stated that the primary reason for the frequent uprooting of trees is the concrete used around them.

Call for Action to Protect Urban Trees

Aleidia remarked, 'We have been aware of the detrimental effects since childhood, yet little has been done to address this issue. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated that trees in Delhi should not be cut down, but that alone is insufficient. If you observe, many tree barks have turned black, indicating they are not receiving adequate nutrients.'

Akij Farooq, a climate and energy campaigner from Greenpeace India, noted that trees are being gradually destroyed by filling the surrounding areas with concrete without cutting them down.

The Consequences of Concrete on Tree Roots

He explained, 'You will notice that trees in parks or forests rarely fall, but those planted along roadsides (whose roots are often buried under sidewalks) do. Such concrete usage weakens the roots, stunts their growth, and obstructs their access to water and oxygen.'

Despite the NGT's 2013 directive for officials to remove concrete within a meter radius of trees, proper implementation has not occurred even after more than a decade.

Delhi-based environmentalist V. Khanna highlighted that cementing around the base of trees blocks water and air, preventing the trunk from expanding.