MANSI BHAMBRI / Dehradun
Street vendors in Dehradun look anguished as they are suffering the sweltering heat this summer due to the removal of roadside trees for road-widening and development projects. They said in unison that they rely on the shade provided by large, leafy trees for comforts from the scorching summer heat. Aside from the fruit sellers, the barbers along with other small traders operate their stalls under shady trees. However, with trees having been removed in the name of development, they are now exposed to the heat, making it challenging for their health. What is known as Peepal economy is now under grave threat with the city being increasingly denuded of its earlier roadside green cover.
Notably, temperatures keep exceeding 40 degrees Celsius this summer with heat-wave warnings being issued for the city and its surrounding areas. They cannot afford to stay at home as it will affect their livelihood negatively and at the same time, their exposure to the surging heat make them vulnerable to health issues.
A street vendor, Manu Kumar, who runs a juice stall on the roadside in Dehradun for several years, noted that earlier summers were manageable when the city was green and roads were lined with trees on both sides which offered shelter to them. “In just a few years, the scenario has changed due to road widening with many trees being mercilessly axed,” he rued, adding that this year, he was reluctantly setting up his stall. “I feel like staying at home, but we will have to starve if I act on my wish,” he lamented.
When asked for comment, another vendor Ravi Dev echoed Manu and said, “We are at the receiving end of such reckless development. Our livelihood is at stake. Every year, summer temperatures rise and greenery is being sacrificed on the altar of road expansion which means nothing for us.” Many other street vendors operating in the city have voiced similar concerns.
Queried over the people’s suffering, the secretary, Devbhoomi Vikas Sansthan, Satendra Negi said that development should not come at the expense of the environment. “If trees are removed, it should be ensured that the same number of trees are replanted and properly maintained,” he noted.
Negi shared that they have been planting trees for several years, particularly during the festival of Harela, and they ensure the maintenance of the planted trees. “Last year, we planted around 80,000 Banyan and Peepal trees in the State and this will continue in the future,” he said.
