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| Preserve Greenery in Parks | | | Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam
Modern urban development in Jammu is leading to the rise of ‘concrete parks.’ These parks feature paved paths, play and fitness equipment, steel chairs and benches, fencing, and fountains. Most parks lack focus on improving green infrastructure in existing spaces, which makes them less attractive. As a result, they have minimal greenery, resembling metro cities with limited green spaces. This trend raises questions: Are these ‘concrete parks’ a response to the increasing demand for low-maintenance, durable spaces? Is the high cost of maintaining parks prompting a shift towards simpler, cost-effective designs? Whatever the reason, this approach reflects a trend that prioritizes convenience over sustainability, which will harm people’s health and Jammu’s environment.
One of the most significant impacts of replacing greenery with concrete structures is the loss of trees, grass, and shrubs, which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while trapping pollutants in the urban areas of Jammu. Also, such an increase in the ‘concrete parks’ contributes to the warmer surroundings and dilutes the real purpose of parks in the residential localities. Additionally, habitats for birds and insects in ‘concrete parks’ are also finishing slowly every day. In highly populated Jammu, where anxiety and sedentary lifestyles are becoming common, green areas are essential because they lower stress, elevate mood, and promote healthier mental health. So, these ‘concrete parks’ do not have the healing effects.
When administrators prioritize ‘concrete’ over green space, they run the risk of producing surroundings that are detrimental to their citizens’ mental well-being. Conventional parks with grass, flowerbeds, and trees are true places that promote leisure away from home because they provide a peaceful atmosphere and appeal to families with the elderly and kids. While building ‘concrete parks’, urban designers are looking only for a contemporary look. This change has the potential to undermine the public areas’ inclusiveness. Furthermore, the absence of plants discourages use of parks because hot weather makes unshaded areas uncomfortable, which lessens their appeal.
The disadvantages of designs that rely heavily on concrete structures could be lessened with a well-rounded strategy to satisfy urban needs while maintaining ecological and health benefits. Instead of laying tile, a permeable paving with grass and gravel system should be introduced to improve appearance and lessen heat accumulation without compromising functionality. Solutions like permeable pavements prevent deterioration of soil health as well. On the other hand, using metal public seating in summer heat is unbearable and can be replaced with benches made of stone such as granite, sandstone, or limestone. Instead of fountains, consider simple water mister to prevent insects’ growth inside nonfunctional fountains.
Tree plantation shouldn’t be compromised, as the groundwater cycle is also getting disturbed in their absence. Traditional heritage plants, such as the Ashoka tree, Peepal, Neem, and Banyan, which hold both cultural and ecological significance, should be planted in parks. The dependence on ‘concrete parks’ by reducing green natural landscapes with artificial ones is not sensible. Parks should maintain their green colour with trees, rather than multicoloured plastics and iron equipment.
The public parks will be successful in getting real shape by combining urban infrastructure and nature to produce livable, sustainable environments. Jammu city must prioritize green spaces, not as luxuries but as essential components of urban life. These renovations in parks in the name of urbanisation is only the substitution of green areas by forgetting nature’s many advantages. The stakes are high because Jammu’s livability hangs in the balance and for this the planners and decision makers can create spaces that serve both practical needs and the well-being of current and future generations.
* Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam (Media and communication professional, an author with a Ph.D in Law and PGDHRM) |
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