Trees, You and Life!!

Today, global warming is a major threat to human beings. The case of Borivali National Park is there for all of us to see; it is today under the growing threat from Human intrusion. Also, there is increasing cases of attacks by big cats on Humans. The issues are different, but the reason behind them are the same; Deforestation. To know what the main reasons behind deforestation are, the problems of it and it's possible solution, we met and interviewed a notable and respected of environmentalist, Dr. Ashok Kothari.

Interview of an Environmentalist: - Dr. Ashok S. Kothari M.B.B.S.

Dr. Ashok S. Kothari practices Medicine in his clinic named 'Tree Shade Clinic' in Santa Cruz.. He is the former President of Santacruz Medical Social Association and also the past president of the Rotary Club of Bombay Seacoast and currently he is the Chairman of the Souvenir Subcommittee. He also holds a post in a Bombay Natural History Society as a Hon. Joint Secretary (Since 1984), which plays a major part in conserving nature. He has provided his contribution to the National Society of the Friends of the trees, which specifically works for the preservation of trees and has won many awards for planting the largest amount of trees.

He has also provided his contribution in the field of environmental publications, working as a Co-Editor for Salim Ali's India -1996 and Treasures of Indian Wildlife -2005 (BNHS & OUP Publications). He is someone who has been actively involved in Nature conservation and has also won many awards for doing a stellar job in planting trees.

Interview…..

Q.1. What is the Status of the environment that we live in?

We are felling trees at an alarming rate because of the pressure from growing population; as a result all the forests have been rendered very thin. The forest that we once had is just a fraction of the size it once was, and it continues to decrease every day. Even The Borivali National Park is under the growing threat of Human intrusion. And it is therefore no coincidence that there is increasing attacks of big cats on Humans, that’s the threat we face when nature is taken for granted.

People don't seem to have realised the importance of the Forest cover for the ecology of Mumbai. Every tree in Mumbai needs to be protected and we cannot just ignore the threat it poses to the environment and thereby to all of us as well. Remember…"Compromising on Trees is compromising on Life".

Q.2. What are the major implications on our nature an account of deforestation?

There are many implications some of which are very dangerous for humans and also the nature as a whole. Firstly the sea level is increasing rapidity. The experts’ are stating that global warming is aided by the effects of deforestation. Also, our life will become dull; and as pollution increases there will be an acute shortage of water. And this fact is showcased by various examples from our nature; like the 'Sahara' which is increasing and expanding in size every year and deforestation is to blame say the experts . The positive's side of forest cover is aptly demonstrated by the contribution of a single man can have on the nature, which is demonstrated by the effects his love for trees had on the small district of 'Palanpur' in North Gujarat.

A tree lover' Khalid Ahmed Khan' has been planting trees every year and had been stopping trees from being felled and exploited. After some years, through the contribution of this one individual it was seen that the annual rainfall increased from 12 inch to 32 inch. In contrast in 'Cherapunji' the rainfall is decreasing owing to deforestation, this example highlights the effect that trees have on nature.

Apart from these problems there is also the problem of erosion, landslides and also conservation of wildlife and the water sources, which also has a lot to do with trees as all of them are interdependent and interconnected.

Trees play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. If one tree is cut in nature it also means that many other forms of life are threatened and are now left vulnerable. And one of the reason that Mumbai has a regular and sufficient amount of water supply is the fact that it is surrounded by lakes from where it gets it's water supply. And these lakes are surrounded by trees which guarantees steady rainfall. And if we start cutting down these trees the entire Mumbai will be left vulnerable.

Q.3. According to you, what are the factors that have contributed to the problems of deforestation?

The biggest factors leading to deforestation are that, earlier we used to worship trees, but today we view it just as a commodity, which is there just to make our life better, nothing else. Even the tribal, who were seen as a protector of trees are now exploiting them. A tree, which is essential for a tribes existence has now become a partner in exhausting them. In the tribal area, it is not hard to see truckloads of trees coming out with load full of trees chopped illegally. This clearly shows there is a growing nexus between the tribals and the Timber mafia. The mafias are now very powerful and they make use of the corrupt authorities and ill-informed locals to make money out of the trees. The mafias are exploiting the tribals and the nature to achieve their vested interest.

Another important factor is the growing number of unemployment. Cutting down trees and selling them has become an alternate source of income for many.

Q.4. How do you rate the performance of the government regarding the issue of deforestation? Why?

The government is planting trees no doubt. But the problem arises because in a hurry to see the tree grow quicker, the government is continuing with the plantation without proper planning and study. The result is that the government ends up planting trees of foreign origin like 'Paltoforum', 'Gulmohur', 'Ren', 'Australian Acacias' and the 'Eucalyptus varieties ', which are not ideal for Indian ecosystem and the Indian soil type.

Although these foreign trees grow quickly and don't require much care, they create more problems then they solve. For example, the 'Australian Acacias' don't live long, although they grow very fast, so what is the use of the growing this tree in the first place. And the eucalyptus tree sucks away all the water in the vicinity and lowers the water level, which creates more problems for the people, which goes against the use of the trees i.e., increase water supply. And the foreign trees do not attract birds either or support small wildlife which is yet another important function of the trees; to nurture and protect. The 'Ren' tree's roots grow so deep and wide that it destroys all the construction nearby, breaking the water pipe and cripples the infrastructure of the surrounding areas. The Indian trees although takes time to grow, there is no doubt that it's a much better option.

The question which really baffles me is that, in a country like India, which has the second highest variety of trees found anywhere in the world, only next to Brazil, has to be so dependent on trees of foreign origin. What is the rationale behind it? My only hope is that the government sooner rather than later realises its mistakes and takes steps to undo the impact the foreign tress have already had, at least to some extent.

Q.5. What is the role of the Government the NGO's and the society in coming up with an solution for the problem?

The NGO's must make sure that the government is performing it's duties, and is also delivering on the promises made to the people. The government must keep a constant watch on the activities of the government and maintain a constant pressure on them so that they do not take the issue of the environment and nature lightly. The NGO's should also provide a voice for the people demands and also raise the queries, and also transfer the complaints the general public has of the government and get it answered.

Creating awareness is the best answers to all these problems. If the people come to know about the dangers of deforestation then there is no reason why people won’t take a stand against it, after all we all know that deforestation is dangerous and has to be put a stop to. The Tree Act has to be made more stringent. The tree authority has to be made more accountable and a constant tab has to be kept on the trees that are cut. And rather than catching the workers the enforcers have to catch those who have ordered for the tree to be cut, the 'Big Guns' in the timber mafia.

Also, most trees are cut on Weekends, which allows for the perpetrators to get away. So, more thinking, time and man-hours have to be devoted to this task, which is only getting tougher and arduous by the day. A special toll free number, primarily dedicated for complaints regarding the environment and the trees has to be setup, and response time must be made quicker, unlike the Police or BMC who are difficult to contact and if they are somehow contacted never reach on time.

Q.6. According to you, who should take the lead in the fight against deforestation? Why?

The answer is quite simple. It is the people and the society at large who should take the lead. The young generation should be made aware about the importance of trees and should understand the significance of tree plantation and how essential conservation of trees is for all of us. Planting and conservation of trees should be made a habit. And once the society is made aware of the problem and the steps that are required to put a stop to it have been implemented with full devotion, there is nothing that could stop the tree from flourishing once again. The idea behind tree plantation is that the current generation has to plan ahead. As the tree takes time to grow, it has to be planted years in advance so that the coming generation could reap it's benefits.

Q.7. What are your suggestions to tackle deforestation in the society?

There has to be strict laws against the perpetrators of this crime against nature. In some cases the laws has not been stringent enough and there are many loopholes in them. When you talk about Mumbai, there has to be strict vigilance in and around the National park as also in other areas under forestation. Every tree needs to be protected. There has to be a strict tab on the trees that is coming in and out of the city of Mumbai. Thousands of trees come into India every night to be used as cremation timber, and that includes young trees, which is illegal and goes against the law. Another solution that can work is by encouraging the use of solar cooking gas. Also, electric crematoria have to be made used of more often to reduce the burden on this valuable resource. All these measures could help save that all important extra trees.

Q.8. What lessons should be draw from a social movement like Chipko Movement? Is it the answer for deforestation?

It is the best example where a social movement has been instrumental in saving the nature. A social movement is the biggest personification of democracy and one that has the biggest impact. People’s movement is at the root of democracy and is very effective. It shows the collective strength of the society and demonstrated that there is no power that can oppose the power of a social movement. It has the power to bring about a revolution, and it is now time to use this example and bring about a revolution to protect our environment and nature. And there can be no better start than saving the trees.

Q.9. Could you give any message for the Youth?

The youth is the future. Every youth should take this issue very seriously and make sure that the trees are preserved and new trees are planted. And before planting there has to be a careful study of the type of trees being planted. And indigenous trees always have to be given priority over foreign trees.