Depletion of green cover is tragic

Having read several reports in Gulf News about dwindling greenery, I cannot resist writing to give an account of my feelings toward cutting trees.

I have been a resident in the Al Muroor area of Abu Dhabi for the past four years. Often, I feel a great sense of relief when I drive on the street, which is lined with trees on both sides - the greenery runs along the entire stretch.

However, for the past two years we have been witnessing the rapid uprooting of trees on this street as a more and more residential buildings are coming up. About 10 new buildings are already in the completion stage and an equivalent number is in the early stages. Many new plots have been created and preparations are being made to cut down more trees.

If this uprooting of treees continues, I am sure there would not be a single standing tree on the entire stretch of Al Muroor Street in a year's time.

Abu Dhabi is a vast city and there are many barren areas that could be developed, such as Mussafah. Such places should be given priority in urban expansion.

For now, I think areas with foliage and trees should be left alone - at least until other localities are developed.

Many cyclists and joggers love Al Muroor Street and enjoy the greenery.

With so much shade and a thriving community life, it would be a shame to see the trees go.