Cities are growing fast, but in this race for concrete, parks and green spaces are disappearing. New plazas and high-rise buildings often replace open grounds, leaving little room for nature. This quiet loss is more damaging than we realise.
Green spaces are not just for leisure; they are essential for public health and community well-being. They reduce air pollution, lower city temperatures and provide a space for children, families and the elderly to relax.
Studies worldwide show that people living near parks have better mental health, stronger social bonds and even lower risks of disease. Yet in many cities, parks are shrinking into small patches of grass surrounded by walls and litter.
The neglect of urban greenery is not simply about aesthetics. It creates long-term costs. When cities lack trees and open spaces, heatwaves become deadlier, floods become worse, and citizens are left with fewer outlets for physical activity.
The cost of healthcare rises while the quality-of-life falls.
Restoring urban green spaces does not require luxury projects. It requires planning. Local governments can reserve land for parks, plant trees along streets and encourage communities to adopt public gardens. Even small steps — like converting abandoned plots into green corners — can make a big difference.
A truly modern city is not one filled only with buildings but one that balances concrete with nature. If we continue ignoring green spaces, our cities will become unliveable. But if we invest in them, we create healthier, happier and more sustainable communities. Greenery is not a luxury for cities but a necessity for survival.
Aamir Ali
Sukkur
