Role of Community in Urban Afforestation
Despite being the 7th largest country in the world, the forest cover of India forms only 2 percent of its total area. The available forestry per capita is around 0.08 percent, which is much lesser than the worldwide average of 0.8%. There have been a lot of movements and petitions for the protection of our forest lands. However, illegal felling of trees in protected areas has only expedited the process of deforestation in spite of public activism. More than affecting rural areas, deforestation has devastated urban areas. The concrete jungles only lead to an increase in temperature and pollution within city limits and lowered rainfall.
Afforestation
Afforestation usually refers to the practice of planting saplings and small shrubs in areas which have been made devoid of forest cover, in the hope of bringing back the natural foliage that existed there originally. The benefits associated with afforestation include better absorption of storm and rainwater for maintenance of ground water table, prevention of soil erosion and encouragement of growth of the natural habitat for flora and fauna.
Urban afforestation is not an easy task as there is an imbalance in the soil nutrients required for the healthy growth of plants. Therefore, urban soil requires some preparation for mediating the pH levels and acidity and basicity of soils. For this mammoth task, community participation is required.
Role of Community in Urban Afforestation
The urban populace, being more aware, has already embarked upon a mission to form groups that take collective initiatives about neighbourhoods. Most established schools have Nature Clubs which take up projects of planting sapling along different streets and different neighbourhoods. They make charts, wall paintings and posters for making the masses aware of the benefits of afforestation. Many localities have active welfare clubs which participate actively in eco-friendly activities such as placement of dust bins around the locality, cleanliness drives and afforestation.
The municipal corporations of certain cities undertake these activities too through community participation. Property developers are planning landscaped gardens, terrace gardens and open green spaces because new age residents prefer to live in a green and clean environment.
A common fund where residents contribute a token amount may be made for sponsoring the afforestation drive. Every weekend, certain members of the community can partake in the activities meant for improving the green cover of the area. For instance, groups of residents of a neighbourhood can take turns to nurture the soil in their area with manure for enabling the growth of plants and trees. Social media can be used to the fullest for creating awareness programs and starting afforestation drives in different cities. There are many groups on Facebook and Twitter which share photos, articles and tips of successful afforestation drives. The exchange of ideas often brings about a better outcome for such drives. It also helps to strengthen the bond among members of the cause which further fuels the movement.
As more and more cities are adopting these measures to improve their forest cover, it can be hoped that the urban green cover increases in the years to come.
