IT WAS in the year 2015 that Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy was launched. More than six years have passed by since then. Sadly, at least in Nagpur Division of Vidarbha region in Maharashtra, one can see long highways built using tonnes of cement-concrete but the lofty ideal of ‘greening’ is far from achieved. For instance, take the highway stretch from Nagpur to Chandrapur, or from Nagpur to Wardha and back. One only finds the trees that have survived the onslaught of ‘development’. Barring some short patches where decorative varieties have been planted on road medians, one finds no trees along the long cement-concrete road. Lost is the cool canopy formed over the road by the full-grown roadside trees like Neem, Banyan, Peepal etc.

 

What one comes across is the long stretch of glaring road, with nowhere to stop and take a break under the shade of a tree. In summers, situation is so bad that people travelling from Nagpur to Chandrapur or Wardha or to other stretches, scarcely come across a patch where one can stop for some time -- to drink water standing under the shade of a tree with dense green foliage, to take a break from driving/riding position, or to ease oneself. What one sees is a long serpentine highway, glaring in sun, and presenting an eyesore of a sight. In fact, those engaged in planning, construction, and monitoring of highway works appear to have failed in ensuring that the objective of greening is served. Else, how can one explain the absence of trees along the road? In fact, many remember the journey on the same routes, years ago, when there were big trees on both sides of the road.

 

Though that time, cement-concrete roads were not present, and only tar road connected places, sight of green on the roadside was always available. The memory of ‘bus failure’ leading to passengers getting down and standing under trees on roadside, has still not faded from the public mind. Many now-middle-aged persons still remember how they used to take a break from riding motorcycle and have their lunch packed for travel, under the shade of a roadside tree. Some may still remember how they or fellow riders or passengers felt uneasy and the vehicle had to be stopped to allow them to rest by the roadside, and how shade of a roadside tree offered relief to such individuals.

 

There are still many persons, who, in their childhood, made a mental note of the varieties of trees they saw on the roadside while travelling in a bus with elders in the family. Many even felt happy noticing the colourful blossom of roadside trees. Sadly, the cement-concrete highway today on the same routes, offers a sight that is shorn of soothing green. Eerie barrenness has become a characteristic feature of the sight of road while travelling from one place to another. The distance between trees and roads has widened. One has to wait for long and also stretch oneself to find a tree under whose shade to stop the car or motorcycle. It is, as if, an indication of faster travel -- towards non-green future. Should this be allowed to happen? (To be continued)