Dr Parveen Singh
During my recent visit to Italy on a fellowship, I was captivated by something profoundly simple yet revolutionary. As I traveled along its picturesque roads, I noticed that the streets were flanked by rows of fruit-bearing trees-apples, cherries, and oranges gleamed like ornaments on both sides of the road.
These trees weren’t enclosed or marked as private property; they were a gift to everyone. Travelers, cyclists, and even passersby could freely pluck a fruit to quench their hunger or simply enjoy the natural sweetness. One particularly heartwarming sight stayed with me: a family paused under the shade of a cherry tree, their car parked nearby. The children gleefully picked cherries, their laughter blending with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. A cyclist, perhaps tired from a long journey, stopped to grab an apple, taking a bite before pedaling away. This was not just about nourishment; it was a reflection of a society that harmonized with nature and prioritized accessibility for all. This experience stayed with me long after my journey through Italy, sparking a vision for India-an India where our roads, too, could be lined with lush fruit-bearing trees, bringing nature’s bounty closer to its people.
India, with its fertile lands, diverse climates, and ancient traditions of agriculture, has all the ingredients necessary to replicate this model. Imagine driving down a sun-drenched highway shaded by rows of mango trees, their branches laden with ripe, golden fruits, or strolling along a village road flanked by guava and papaya trees, accessible to anyone who needs them. Such a vision could address numerous challenges that our country faces today while simultaneously enriching our environment and communities.
Hunger, for instance, remains one of India’s most pressing issues. Millions of people in rural and urban areas suffer from malnutrition, with little access to fresh, nutritious food. By planting fruit-bearing trees along roadsides, we can provide an inexpensive, sustainable, and continuous source of nourishment. A schoolchild walking home could pluck a guava, or a laborer working under the hot sun could find respite in the shade of a jackfruit tree, enjoying its fruits for free. This simple act of planting trees could transform our roadsides into corridors of health, sustenance, and kindness.
The benefits of such an initiative extend far beyond combating hunger. India’s cities and towns are grappling with rising pollution levels, which are not only harmful to our health but also to the environment. Fruit trees act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Their thick canopies trap dust particles and other pollutants, cleaning the air we breathe. Moreover, the shade provided by these trees can reduce the heat radiated from roads, lowering ambient temperatures and making our cities cooler. This can also help conserve energy, as cooler streets mean reduced reliance on air conditioning in nearby areas. These trees would serve as silent warriors in our fight against climate change, offering a sustainable solution to the ever-growing problem of air pollution.
The ecological impact of planting fruit trees along roadsides doesn’t stop at purifying the air. These trees can play a vital role in restoring biodiversity. Fruit trees attract a variety of birds, bees, and insects, creating a thriving ecosystem. In urban areas, where natural habitats are rapidly disappearing, these green corridors could provide shelter and sustenance to wildlife. Imagine the sight of colorful birds perched on mango trees or bees buzzing around orange blossoms-these are not just beautiful images but signs of a balanced, healthy environment. As Tagore once said, “Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.” By planting fruit trees, we allow nature to thrive, creating spaces where humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony.
The social and economic impact of such an initiative is equally compelling. Roads lined with fruit trees can become landmarks, attracting tourists and adding to the aesthetic appeal of an area. Local communities could be involved in planting and maintaining these trees, creating employment opportunities and fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Schools could adopt stretches of roads for tree planting drives, teaching children the value of environmental stewardship from a young age. In the long run, this initiative could even reduce the government’s expenditure on combating malnutrition and air pollution, as the trees would provide natural, cost-effective solutions to these problems.
Of course, implementing this vision requires thoughtful planning and execution. It’s essential to choose fruit trees that are native to the region and well-suited to the local climate. For example, mangoes, guavas, and tamarinds thrive in the plains, while apples, pears, and peaches are ideal for hilly areas. The placement of these trees must also be carefully planned to ensure they do not obstruct visibility on highways or pose risks to drivers. Regular maintenance will be crucial to ensure the health of the trees and the safety of the roads. Community participation will be a key factor in the success of this initiative. Local governments, NGOs, and citizens can come together to plant and care for these trees, creating a sense of shared responsibility.
As I reflect on my experience in Italy, I am reminded of the profound wisdom in the words of Rahat Indori: “Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yahaan ki mitti mein, kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai”-this land belongs to everyone. Fruit trees along our roadsides can become a symbol of this inclusivity, offering their bounty to all, regardless of caste, class, or creed. They would stand as a testament to the power of nature to nurture and heal, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the earth that sustains us.
In conclusion, planting fruit-bearing trees along roadsides is more than just an environmental initiative; it’s a vision for a healthier, greener, and more equitable India. It’s a step toward addressing hunger, combating pollution, and restoring biodiversity, all while fostering a sense of community and connection with nature. The simplicity of this idea belies its transformative potential. As we look to the future, let us take inspiration from Italy’s roadsides and work toward creating a similar legacy in our own country. By planting these trees, we are not just greening our roads but sowing the seeds of hope, sustainability, and shared prosperity. As the great John Muir said, “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” Let us build that wilderness, one roadside at a time.
(The author is Associate Professor, Department of Computer Sciences GDC Udhampur.)
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