Most parts of India are reeling under an acute heatwave with high temperatures shattering new records every day. It has come to the point where people think twice before stepping out of their homes. But even inside, the AC which is running in its full capacity is the only thing that keeps the house cool. Things would have been a lot different if there were more trees around, giving you some respite from the heat and fresh air.

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This is exactly what the Kodungallur Municipality in Kerala's Thrissur district is planning to achieve.

The municipality has now made it mandatory to have at least two trees planted in each housing compound to get the registration done.

According to the proposal, anyone submitting a plan to build a house should have at least two trees like mango or jack fruit planted there and after the construction only after officials examined the trees and are satisfied that they have been taken care of properly the house will be given a registration.

Asianet News reported that the rule is applicable for all houses that are more than 1,500 square feet or are built in an area of less than 8 cents.

The report added that Kodungallur is the first local body in Kerala to take such a decision and it aims to improve the green cover in the area by planting more trees.

There is no doubt that the decision of Kodungallur Municipality is a step in the right direction and we hope that more and more local bodies take a cue from Kodungallur and implement similar programs.

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Especially for a city like Delhi which is rapidly losing its trees, and battling the issue of toxic air quality, some additional trees could definitely help, other than providing respite from the scorching summer heat.