It was on 24-01-2011 evening. Kozhikode city was in the midst of hectic campaign for making the district, free of plastic waste (Mass Action for Plastic Waste Free Kozhikode). Meanwhile, a group of nature lovers assembled there in the Mavoor Road near private bus stand. Two huge, old trees that had been providing fresh air and shelter to the historic city were cut down in half. The removed branches were heaped nearby.

Some of the activists looked after the nestlings trapped on the knocked down branches. The mother bird's heart-broken cry echoed even amidst city tumult. It cried for hours, and perched on a tall post near by since there was not such a single tree to nestle.  Many environmental activists had campaigned in the same spot in the morning also to prevent the tree felling. Posters were stuck on the remaining part of the tree by 'Prakruthy Samrakshana Samithy' (A Local Organization for Nature Conservation) 

When the protest turned strong, corporation authorities stopped the action. 

The environmentalists collected signatures from the public who gathered there; to save the trees. Head load workers in the city had informed the cruel action of corporation to the activists as soon as they noticed it. The activists alleged the vested interest of certain business firms in the locality for having facilitated such a cruel action. They pointed fingers at a former Corporation Councilor also. 

These two huge trees were among the very few remaining in the heart of the whole city. Many trees had been felled down earlier in the name of development. 

Many activists discussed the legal matters and the proceedings to maintain the trees. Many workers and city people who loved these trees supported the move of environmentalists. Gradually, the number of interested people increased. They asked each other: 'Can these trees grow again?' Some expressed hope. 

Prof. Shobeendran, noted environmental activist addressed the gathering with his simple but sharp words. While the whole world is seriously discussing the need of protecting trees, to save our planet from global warming and climate change consequences, Calicut Corporation's act seemed to be strange to comprehend. 

Kozhikode has been declared as Plastic Waste Free District. Beautification of the beaches in different parts of Calicut and landscaping of public areas is in rapid progress, with an expenditure mounting to lakhs of rupees. But the question remains “why the authorities nod their head to cut down the trees, when the city is badly in need of more shelter and fresh air?” How can we justify such acts amid this? Every nod, a word and the minutest action definitely counts.

Recent Articles by Author: Rainy Nightfall – a Magic of Nature  - November 20, 2010
 

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