Trees and traffic

Dozens of trees are being felled to create room for a temporary passage while a new underpass is built at Kalma Chowk.

Trees have come under threat again in Lahore, as dozens are felled to create room for a temporary passage while a new underpass is built at Kalma Chowk. We have seen such massacres before. This one came before action could be taken by groups of citizens who have, in the past, battled to save Lahore’s trees. A deliberate measure of deceit appears to have been used this time round to prevent protests — contractors assigned the task of mowing down the greenery stretching out from Ferozepur Road onto Main Boulevard did so unexpectedly and with great speed.

There can be no doubt that a smoother, swifter flow of traffic is desirable. This is especially true in Lahore, a city that sees greater and greater chaos on its roads. But the question of removing trees is a far more complex one than something that can be determined only on the basis of improving traffic. Every resident of the city needs a clean environment; only a minority uses the roads. The right of the majority who never drive cars or ride in buses to better health; to a shady place to shelter under; and to the aesthetic pleasures that trees offer must also be protected. This is all the more so given that there is debate surrounding the issue of whether underpasses and the widening of roads eases traffic jams any more than greater discipline and a better enforcement of rules would.

The chief minister of the province — who has shown a distinct preference for road works over trees — and his team should more carefully consider all the pros and cons. There is, after all, a reason why many major cities around the world have made so many efforts to keep their trees and parks. Failing to do so has already cost us dearly, in terms of the welfare of people and worsening air quality recorded in our urban centres.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2011.