This heartbreaking scene is from near the New Bus Stand, Berhampur.

In pursuit of its own interests, humans have turned the entire city into a concrete jungle. As a result, trees are now being uprooted even by slight rain or wind and end up falling and getting destroyed. The reason is that on one side there are drains, on the other side cemented roads, and whatever little space is left is covered with tiles—slowly killing the trees. No one is paying attention to this, no one seems concerned, and no one even tries to lift or save a fallen tree. The trees are left lying there, drying up and eventually dying, while people simply pass by as silent spectators.

While carrying out urban development work, the administration must follow certain rules. According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), at least three feet of open space should be left around trees. However, no one follows this—not the contractors, not the engineers, not the PWD, not the administration, not the government—and we, the citizens, also remain silent, prioritizing development and progress.

But has anyone ever thought about what the environment of our city will be like without trees? The situation will become dangerous in the coming days if we fail to protect the few remaining trees. We will not even get shade from trees, and during summer, the heat will increase to unbearable levels. We may even have to leave the city and go to villages just to see trees.

Members of our Sabuj Bahini organization have lifted and secured these  fallen trees. We hope that in the coming days, these trees will survive and contribute to the well-being of society.