Kalpavriksh is an active member of Trees for Delhi and is in the forefront of the ongoing campaign against massive tree cutting due to road widening and more specifically the High Capacity Bus System (HCBS). HCBS is a project which envisions to develop an urban transport infrastructure that encompasses integrated walk, bicycle and public transit system. The financial and institutional frame work that leverages public/private funds and enables implementation as well as sustained operation of the envisioned urban transport infrastructure. It is also an attempt to introduce of low floor buses and phase wise construction of exclusive bus ways.
 
 

Our Activities include:

a) Joint Inspection : 

In response to this campaign, the Delhi Chief Minister the CM called a meeting on trees. She agreed to include NGOs on Tree Authority under the “Tree Preservation Act”. She told the implementing agency ‘Rites’ to conduct joint survey with NGOs on trees issues. Following are the result of the joint survey;

1. The unaffected trees shown in the map were tarred right up to the trunk and the roots badly exposed and destroyed. We were told that these would be later (approx 3 months) opened up and a green unpaved strip created. We pointed out that these trees may not survive for the 3 hot months with possible storms. As a compromise, RITES officials agreed to create space around few trees and fill it with soil within the next 5 days. Once this was found to be okay by us, this would be done for all trees that are to be been left unaffected. In the other stretches they have agreed not to follow this damaging procedure.

 

2. Many of the transplanted trees shown were not in good condition. Though some of the trees had survived and were sprouting new leaves, there were many which seemed to have completely dried out. The need for proper watering and care for these trees was emphasized by us.

 

3. Regarding non existence of trees on the central verge (which were shown to be unaffected as the plan given to us by IIT) we were told that is some cases such discrepancies do occur. As regards other missing trees as per the plans with us RITES has promised to reconcile the ground situation with the maps/plans

 

4. We appreciated that RITES had saved some trees by re- aligning the drain.

 

5. It was suggested that RITES can start planting new trees now itself so that by the time the corridor is ready the trees would have grown to some extent. RITES officials agreed to consider this suggestion.

 

6. RITES officials said that they will involve us in future course of action that involves trees and their preservation

 

7. The water pipe line of DJB on the Siri Fort stretch now needs to be shifted inside the DDA Park. This would entail loss of trees and undergrowth. To minimize this damage the best option among three given below will be considered:

1. Underground
2. Overground
3. Undergorund beneath the pedestrian walk path – This would be the best alternate as it would entail minimum damage to foliage.

 

8. RITES has started colour coded numbering of trees from Chirag Dilli onwards. The numbering is being done @ rate 200 mtrs/day.The codes are as follows

1. Green – Unaffected
2. Blue – Transplanted
3. Red-  To be cut

 

9. It was suggested to create temporary bus shelters along the corridor (as most bus shelters now are on road sides with no shade for the commuters) till the time new ones were built.  RITES officials have offered to consider the suggestion

 

b) Letters to the Chief Minister:  

The Trees for Delhi network s written to the Chief Minister of Delhi regarding current loss of greens all around Delhi due to on going new transport corridors and other development works. The issue relating to parks through extensive concretization and beautification by introducing alien species has also been taken up with the CM. 
 

c) Press Releases: 
Now Delhi for trees and trees for Delhi, The Hindu, 7 March 2007

Spare the trees, plead Delhi’s leading lights, The Hindu, 26 March 2007

Trees being choked as guidelines gather dust, The Times of India, 22 April 2007

d) Campaign with Citizens:

• Candle light walk at Joshep Tito Marg organized by Trees for Delhi Group
• Street plays by trees for Delhi and school children activities like painting and play at HCBS corridor near Chirag Dilli.

 
 
Also see www.treesfordelhi.com. Join the Trees for Delhi egroup: login www.toxicslink.org and join group by enter email address.