Not only is the BRT corridor unlikely to ease the suffering of the Delhi commuter, the number of trees that have been cut for the corridor is very distressing. Although it is true that trees have a finite life, that some are cut while others die a natural death, that the green cover can be replanted, a careful evaluation of the impact of their destruction for a particular project requires to be done. We need to find more people who are sensitive to the environment, who will work on large projects while ensuring the green cover is not unnecessarily destroyed.

Do any such projects come to mind?

The Metro is just such a project, although I question the need for the overground Metro station platform in Lajpat Nagar – it’s very clear that it should have been underground and not elevated since there are beautifully planned green areas there. The cost would have been Rs 800 crore to put it all underground, which at first thought seems like a large sum but could easily have been collected by levying a one-rupee surcharge on fuel for example. What we need is a system of self-checks and balance.