Shimla, Preneeta Sharma
Like the magic of the fairy light, reminds us of the magic of stars, but what is the use of such magic when nature is being killed.
The same can be seen in the city of tranquility, Shimla, where the Sukhu government is transforming it into the world’s largest tourist destination, ignoring the sentiments of the people here. The landmarks of Shimla Ridge, including the towering Ridge Chinar Tree, along with other trees, are now fallen victim for those who are voracious craving for development. The countless nails that have been hammered into the trunks and branches to install various types of fairy lights not only violate legal directives but also destroy the heritage landmarks of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla MC Commissioner, Bhupiner Attri, said, “To attract more tourists, this step was taken. The lights are environment-friendly, and with this, no trees will be damaged. Nails are not being hammered, and this is hardly a 1 mm prick.”
Sushil Kumar, a senior journalist, criticizes such celebrations and, talking with CrazyNewsIndia, says, “Putting lights on the trees is not an eco-friendly practice. The current running in wires or cables around shoots affects the physiology of the plants. So, we should refrain from putting lights with cables or wires to avoid 110–220-voltage electric current. However, low current does not affect the physiology of the trees, but only tender vegetation.
It’s not an ancient, eco-friendly practice. Earlier, in all parts of the world, people used to worship trees and vegetation during the change of seasons while lighting candles and Deeyas, which were eco-friendly practices.”
If the decorations on trees on the ridge are only for Christmas celebrations by the MC administration, why are the decorations not done during other religious festivals? This is a social question that raises the eyebrows of the majority, he added.
Fairy lights chained around trees mess up with the flowering cycle and also affect birds. Fairy lights are far more concentrated and closer to the trees, which cause them maximum damage, said environmentalist expert.
Taking action on the hammering of nails into trees, former Deputy Mayor Tikender Pawar and Congress leader Mala Singh filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the contractor this morning. The legal action comes as a response to the mounting public outcry and the apparent disregard for environmental norms in the installation of lights on trees in Shimla.
After crazynewsindia brought the matter to the attention of DFO Shimla Pawan Kumar, he immediately took an action and sent his team for inspection. The nails are being removed from the trees, whereas for fairy lights, the reports have been submitted to seniors for further action, he added.
