Most of us sense the change of season by the nip in the air, or an earlier sunrise. Or a koel’s call. We love our natural barometers. Unfortunately, some of these may not survive.
This despite an urban development ministry guideline, in August this year, which advices that urban water bodies such as storm water drains, step wells, trenches around old forts, wells as well as man made water bodies like ponds within religious and public places, must be preserved and restored.
Typically, once an investment is made, causing any loss to investors, particularly to protect the environment, remains out of the question. This must reverse. Look at how it will benefit a site like the still predominantly rural Najafgarh drain area in Delhi, a rich habitat for fauna and flora.
The Eurasian Hobby, seen just last week there, starts its migration from Central Asia. It stops here for a short while enroute to East Africa. Or the jewel blue Verditer Flycatcher, which transits while flying from the Himalayas to South India. We know winter is just around the corner when we see these birds. But the Dwarka Expressway, and the housing projects a few hundred meters away, will destroy the opportunities for such species.
Can the new UD advisory make a significant dent? We can’t be sure, but at least we-people who care about our planet-can ask that it does. And not only in big cities, but everywhere we see damage.
{{/usCountry}}Can the new UD advisory make a significant dent? We can’t be sure, but at least we-people who care about our planet-can ask that it does. And not only in big cities, but everywhere we see damage.
{{/usCountry}}