India’s ancient trees: Are we protecting nature’s living timekeepers?

India, a land historically revered for its natural bounty and deep-rooted cultural connection to trees, is currently grappling with a pressing environmental challenge: the relentless felling of ancient, old-growth trees to pave the way for rapid urban expansion and infrastructure development. These venerable trees, often described as 'nature's living timekeepers,' embody centuries of ecological wisdom and stand as silent witnesses to history. Their destruction underscores a fundamental conflict between the nation's developmental aspirations and its commitment to environmental preservation.

The background to this issue lies in India's post-independence trajectory of economic growth and urbanisation. With a burgeoning population and a strong drive to become a global economic power, there has been an accelerated push for infrastructure development – expressways, metro lines, smart cities, and industrial corridors. While undeniably crucial for economic progress and improving the quality of life for millions, this rapid expansion often comes at a significant ecological cost. Land, particularly in and around urban centers, is a finite resource. As cities swell, the easiest path often involves encroaching upon natural spaces, including ancient tree cover, which are seen as 'obstacles' to progress rather than invaluable assets.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this complex dynamic. The **Central and State Governments**, through their various ministries (Urban Development, Environment, Forests, Road Transport), are primary actors. They formulate policies, sanction projects, and are tasked with balancing development goals with environmental mandates. **Private developers and corporations** are crucial implementers of these projects, driven by profit and the demand for housing and commercial spaces. On the other side are **environmental activists, local communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)**, who often raise alarms, organize protests, and file Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to challenge environmentally damaging projects. The **Judiciary**, particularly the Supreme Court and High Courts, plays a critical role in adjudicating these conflicts, often issuing stays or directives to protect green cover. Finally, **Forest Departments and environmental regulatory bodies** are mandated to protect natural resources but often face immense pressure to clear projects deemed of 'national importance'.

This issue holds profound significance for India. Environmentally, the loss of old-growth trees leads to a significant reduction in **biodiversity**, as these trees provide unique habitats for numerous species. They are vital for **carbon sequestration**, helping mitigate climate change, and their removal contributes to increased air pollution and the 'urban heat island' effect in cities. Socially, many ancient trees hold **cultural and religious significance**, often revered as sacred groves or sites of worship, and their felling can deeply impact local communities. Economically, while development promises short-term gains, the long-term costs of environmental degradation – such as increased health issues, reduced ecosystem services, and vulnerability to extreme weather events – can be substantial. Politically, the issue often becomes a flashpoint for public protests and can influence policy debates and electoral outcomes.

India's Constitution provides a framework for environmental protection. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, enjoins every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." Specific legislative measures include the **Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980**, which regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, requiring prior central government approval. The **Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986**, provides an umbrella framework for environmental protection. The **Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 (CAMPA)**, aims to ensure that when forest land is diverted, an equivalent area is afforested elsewhere. However, critics argue that compensatory afforestation often involves planting saplings that cannot replicate the ecological value and services of a mature, old-growth forest for decades.

Historically, India has a rich tradition of environmental conservation, from the ancient Vedic reverence for nature to the Bishnoi movement's sacrifices for trees. Post-independence, the emphasis shifted towards industrialization, leading to significant deforestation. The Chipko Movement in the 1970s was a landmark moment in citizen-led environmental activism, highlighting the conflict between development and conservation.

The future implications are significant. As India continues its journey of development, the conflict between growth and green cover is likely to intensify. There is a growing need for more robust **Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)**, strategic urban planning that integrates green infrastructure, and a greater emphasis on valuing ecosystem services provided by nature. The role of citizen activism and judicial intervention will remain crucial in holding authorities accountable. Ultimately, achieving sustainable development requires a paradigm shift: viewing ancient trees and natural ecosystems not as impediments, but as integral components of a healthy, resilient, and prosperous future for India. This calls for innovative solutions like tree transplantation, green corridors, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws, ensuring that our 'living timekeepers' continue to thrive alongside our growing cities.