The unchecked burning of trees, plants and stubble alongside the Najafgarh drain area has put major question marks over Delhi government’s ‘green budget’.
More than 8 kilometers stretch in this area has been affected due to burning of stubble. Remains of stubble burning can also be witnessed in agricultural fields of villages such as Chhawla, Ghummanhera, Jhatikra,Mitraon, Kanganheri, etc.
Further, garbage dumping and burning of dry leaves have badly damaged the flora and fauna along the drain. The smoke emanating due to consistent burning is also polluting the environment.
An environmental activist from Dwarka who is also the convener of Natural Heritage First, Diwan Singh said, “It's very common throughout Delhi that one witnesses grass, saplings and grown up trees suffering from fires. Apart from aggravation of air pollution there is a substantial loss of biodiversity and green cover in such fires. The Najafgarh drain area has also been a victim of such fires.”
Diwan blamed the authorities for the loss of biodiversity in this region. “The Delhi government, DDA and MCD never give due attention in controlling these fires. Despite several complaints by people, no efforts have been made to develop preventive measures.”
Biodiversity at risk
The Najafgarh drain area has been declared rich in flora and fauna and the state Government aspires to develop it as a tourist spot. The drain also has a wet land which attracts several kinds of birds. Further, various kinds of snakes and reptiles are also found here in good numbers.
Nature lovers and bird watchers consistently visit this area. However, burning of trees and stubble poses major risk to the flora and fauna of the area.
“The Delhi Government had brought a green budget for the first time in March 2018 in order to protect such biodiversity rich areas. However, looking at the present scenario, it seems that the state government is not serious about protecting the environment,” said NK Sharma a nature lover.
