Questionnaire

SES, DU UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT STUDY PROJECT School of Environmental Studies University of Delhi Delhi – 110 007

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There is a plan to cut over 1000 trees in and around the University Sports Complex (Cavalry Lane, Woodlands behind the University Press, etc.) in order to expand the existing sports complex and construct a Rugby Stadium on it. Although the authorities have largely remained silent over this issue and no one is revealing the exact details, newspapers such as the Hindustan Times have constantly been reporting the same. We feel that creating such a Rugby complex will not only affect and irreversibly change the ambient University environment; it will also be a useless change of land use since Rugby is not even a popular sport in this country. At the same time, this change will come at much loss to the beauty and biodiversity of the Campus.

1. How much are you concerned about the cutting of more than 1000 trees for a Rugby field in University Campus? (Please tick) LEAST CONCERNED

1

2

HIGHLY CONCERNED

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

2. In your opinion, how likely is it that cutting of these many trees will affect the environment around the Campus? NOT LIKELY

1

VERY LIKELY

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3

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5

6

7

8

9

10

3. How serious do you think will the effect of cutting trees would be to the campus environment? NOT MUCH

1

VERY MUCH

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3

4

5

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7

8

9

10

4. Would you like to know about the issues of cutting of more than 1000 trees in the Campus and keep yourself updated about it? DON’T CARE

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DEFINITLY

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9

10

5. For every tree cut, 10 saplings will be planted ‘elsewhere’, which will be as tall as the existing trees after some 30 years (if they survive). Do you think this is adequate and will undo the damage? YES, IT WILL

1

NO WAY

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3

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9

10

SES, DU

Please read and tick appropriately

1)

The balance of nature is delicate and can be easily disturbed

2)

A clean environment provides with a better opportunity for recreation

3)

Laws to protect environment limit my choice of personal freedom

4)

Nature exists to be used and exploited by human beings

5)

I consider myself to be an Environmentalist

6)

Government is doing a competent job of protecting the environment

7)

I trust Govt. to protect the trees from being cut

8)

Eventually, science will find a way to overcome most of the risks and environmental problems

If you are interested in updating yourself with this issue, then:

AGREE

DISAGREE

YES

NO

DON’T KNOW

CAN’T SAY

Do you know what questions to ask to the experts, dealing with this? Do you know where to go for more information? Do you think you can understand the technical details of the project, if explained properly? How many hours per week do you watch television? Less than 8 hours

8 – 15 Hours

16 – 30 Hours

More than 30 Hours

How much of this time is spent on watching News programmes? Most

Some

Only a little

How much attention do you pay to news on Environmental issues? NONE

A LOT

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2

3

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5

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9

10

SES, DU What are your views on Environmentalists in Delhi (NGOs, individuals, etc.)? (Tick as many) They are doing good work in saving the environment. They only raise issues but do not have the expertise to handle them. They have no clue what they are doing. They are only concerned about getting famous and getting funds. Can’t say

Some Personal Details Name: Address:

Profession: Telephone: Email: Year of Birth:

Living near campus for how long:

Do you plan to move away from the Campus in a few years? (Yes/No/Maybe): How often do you visit the University Campus for the purpose of enjoyment / recreation? (E.g. morning/evening walks, strolling, appreciating the flora/fauna/greens) NEVER

VERY OFTEN

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10

Do you have any emotional / nostalgic attachment with the Campus? (Yes/No): Are you aware of ALL the Ecosystem Services provided by the trees? (Yes/No): Would you like to attend a public meeting/conference/protest against the cutting of ‘heritage’ trees in and around the Campus? (Yes/No/Maybe/Can’t say):

Anything else that you would like to say?