AS an environmental enthusiast and a tree-lover, I believe cutting down a tree is as gruesome as taking a human life. Sadly, not many think the same. We live in a country where power lies in the hands of incapables who are ignorant of the importance of trees for a healthy environment. While going towards my house the other day, I was devastated to see an entire avenue of lush green plants and trees, some of them nearly 50 years old, being chopped down.

I drive through this particular service road on a daily basis. The enormous trees scattered all around were a sight to behold till that unfortunate day. The feeling of helplessness and the anguish felt at the cruelty of cutting down innocent living beings that protect us does not appear to want to leave my mind.

Those at the helm of affairs are blind and deaf towards the plight of citizens and also the environment they live in. They are busy filling their own pockets and don’t care about our pleas. I wonder who will save this country from the wrath of climate change. The negligent politicians won’t.

Tasneem Allibhoy Tharia
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2022