Pradeep Krishen
After reading this book, Khushwant Singh conferred upon Krishen the “status of a Brahmin priest of the community of tree-lovers”. The Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide combines text, leaf schemes and more than 1,100 photographs to unravel the mysteries of Delhi's trees. For Suprabha Seshan of The Hindu, the book is both personal and precise, deftly combining scientific detail and affectionate observation.
But with the air pollution and water scarcity in the city, isn’t it hard to believe that it is home to some of the most majestic trees? Well, the surviving native trees are a result of millions of years of evolution, and should be preserved like the tiger, rhino or the Qutab Minar.
Krishen believes strongly in sustaining the forests which houses many of these native species, as opposed to the periodical plantation drives by the government. “I see very little utility in planting trees in little fragmented pockets, it just helps their statistics. Also, most people don’t think too much about ecological suitability when they’re choosing what to plant. The objective is usually an aesthetic one – the city should never lose its luscious, leafy verdure.” He explains the trees that are native or most adaptable to Delhi are the deciduous trees like amaltas, pilkan, and mahua that seasonally shed their leaves and are able to flourish and bloom in Delhi’s climate without any assistance.
Pradip Krishen, filmmaker-turned-naturalist, has completely poured himself into this book of 252 species of Delhi trees. “Getting to understand the botany or the jargon or the scientific names of trees, that came quite easily once I was bitten. But I suppose the key was being so obsessive. Alright, anal,” he says.
Published in 2006.
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