In the wake of the devastating Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which uprooted over 15,000 large trees across Kolkata, the city faced a massive environmental setback.
The loss of such a significant portion of greenery raised concerns over the city’s future ability to recover and maintain its urban ecosystem. For years, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been grappling with this environmental crisis, but officials now face a new challenge: there simply isn’t enough space left in the urban landscape to plant large trees, which once dominated the city’s roads and parks.To address this issue, the KMC has shifted its focus towards the creation of “Green Buffers” along major roads. These buffers are formed by rows of smaller, hardier trees, typically about 4 to 4.5 feet tall. While they may not have the stature of a banyan or peepal tree, these green buffers have the potential to reduce air pollution, increase oxygen levels, and improve the overall urban environment.
Kolkata’s air quality has long been a matter of concern, with the city struggling to keep up with pollution levels similar to Delhi’s. The importance of restoring the city’s green cover has never been more urgent. According to botanists from KMC’s Parks and Gardens Department, some areas in central Kolkata are virtually devoid of trees. Iconic species like the Krishnachura and Radhachura are disappearing rapidly, which has sparked a push for urban greening.
The crisis began after Cyclone Aila in 2009 when thousands of trees were lost. In response, the city embarked on a massive replanting initiative, with nearly 50,000 trees planted each year. However, challenges persist, particularly with the soil quality in some parts of Kolkata. Surveys conducted by the State Horticulture Department have revealed that many areas suffer from loose soil, which makes it risky to plant larger trees.
In strong winds, these trees could be uprooted again, posing a danger to the city’s infrastructure and residents.This led the KMC to prioritise green buffer zones over the traditional practice of planting large trees in the city centre. While the new strategy may not bring back the iconic canopy that once graced Kolkata’s roads, it promises a more sustainable and practical solution to combat pollution in the long term.So far, the KMC has successfully planted over 1.28 lakh trees across various parts of the city, with green buffer zones already established along several key roads. KMC officials believe that if the initiative continues to gain momentum, these green buffers could play a vital role in improving air quality and contributing to the overall sustainability of Kolkata’s urban environment.
These efforts, however, are not just about environmental restoration. They reflect a broader, long-term vision of transforming Kolkata into a more liveable, eco-friendly city. As the city continues to grow and urbanise, finding innovative ways to integrate nature into the urban landscape is critical. Green buffers, while small in scale, are a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The KMC’s green buffer project stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of environmental adversity. It highlights how urban spaces, when managed sustainably, can not only recover from natural disasters but also enhance the quality of life for city dwellers. With ongoing efforts to expand green cover across Kolkata, the city is setting an example of how urban ecosystems can be restored and protected for future generations.In the coming years, as climate change continues to pose a growing threat,Kolkata’s green buffer initiative could become a blueprint for other cities grappling with similar environmental challenges. The city’s shift to more sustainable urban planning practices is a positive step towards a greener, healthier future
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