GREENLESS CITIES

Greenless, treeless cities can't be modern

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) why it cannot acquire land to plant trees as it reminded the agency to increase the city's green cover. The court recognised that a clean environment, which accommodates existing developments, is essential to public good. Climate change makes it imperative the city reshapes its developmental priorities and increases blue-green infrastructure, such as trees, gardens, and water bodies, as outlined in the 2041 masterplan. Delhi is battling air pollution, seasonal heat islands, and a decrease in forest cover that, though small, signals a dangerous trend.