Praba, Anju Bara. 2002. "Role of Sanctified Green Areas (CPRs) in Mitigating Environmental Hazards in the Era of Globalization." Presented at "The Commons in an Age of Globalisation," the Ninth Conference of the International Association for the Study of Common Property, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, June 17-21, 2002.

Abstract

From the Introduction:

"Unlike the sacred groves, a sanctified green area cannot be termed as wilderness but is a group of trees or it is a green landscape dotted with trees and plants in memory of some important events, personality or are worshipped as gods. This is the reason that in spite of such large scale modernization, drastic change in land use and lot of pressure most of such trees have not been felled. They have been standing amidst large-scale construction. Today, due to various social, political and economic activities, capital city is under great pressure, which has made Delhi the fourth largest polluted city in the world. Delhi today is facing the problem of air pollution, (due to vehicles, industries and thermal power stations). Sewage garbage and industrial wastewater have been contaminating surface and ground water alike and rendering large extent of available land area into filth and waste. Thus these increasing problems need steps that can arrest further deterioration and set in operation this process of restoration of the affected area.

"It is through the preservation of the sanctified green area and creation of a network of new ones that the extent of green area in Delhi can be increased. This is due course will enhance the number of tall trees. This is important because going in for plantation activity in additional areas is impossible in this city which itself is facing a problem regarding more space. Infact Delhi do not have sacred grove like the other states of India i.e Rajasthan, Haryana, Kereala etc, but yes there are quite a few green patched in and around and within religious places, memorial ground etc. Even at many sites the mere presence of sacred tree prevents it being felled. This established tradition if could be focused and the implied values widely spread, the community support be mastered for protection of surviving plants. Thus age old sentiments buttressed by scientific facts such as of the ability of trees, to abate pollution or transform sewage affected land and water need to be aroused to keep the economic and social greeds at bay."