It is ironic though that on one hand we talk about greening, but there is a perennial battle on the other with citizens, activists and authorities about concretisation, chopping trees, taking away green patches, removing parts of gardens or lakes. We have reports about civic authorities assuaging sentiment and giving evidence and assurances when activists have raised concerns about a green patch being taken over for some infra project.

We do need to ensure we save the existing green as much as possible, and try as hard as ever to safeguard the little green when projects are started. The Metro authorities, for instance, claim they will replace gardens that have been uprooted for the Metro lines; they must keep that promise. The Coastal Road authorities also must make good on the greening they have promised. Tree transplantation must work.  Miyawaki means new forests, but do not forget the old, while doing so.