Planting 10 saplings for every tree cut is no solution: DR Gaur

NEW DELHI: Amidst the ongoing controversy over the cutting of 16,000 trees in New Delhi, Gurgaon, “Treeman” D.R Gaur said that even if the administration plants 10 saplings for every one tree cut, it will take years before they are fully grown. He asked the public to look at the “bigger picture”.

Mr Gaur, who is recognised and acknowledged as world’s green crusader for having ignited a series of green movements after he recovered from a deep coma, shared his views when asked about the current dispute in the national capital.

“Obviously it is disappointing for me. As a person who stands for the environment, I don’t want even a single tree to be cut down but since I don’t know how an administration works,” he said .

“What I can say is that we should form a platform where both the parties, i.e. the administration and the people, should come forward to discuss and work out a solution,” he said.  

While questioning the response of the public’s during the present times, Mr Gaur added, “Actually we are to be blamed as well. We want bullet trains and WiFi among others, but have we ever asked a candidate to take an oath to plant a 1,000 saplings if he wins? No we have not.”

“We tend to show concern only at the time of a crisis. I criticise everyone, including myself, that we only protest about the hike in petroleum or vegetable prices, but not a word on environment,” the Treeman said.

He said, “The solution (to the crisis) can be that the administration come forward with something practical, before cutting down the trees. They should incorporate technology to reduce felling of trees, as people have emotional ties with them.