Defence colony lives in fear of falling trees

Defence colony lives in fear of falling trees
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: It is ironical that Defence Colony residents who had once defended our country while serving in the armed forces, now have no defence from trees which pose a danger to their lives during heavy rain. Whenever the skies threaten to break, they think twice before venturing outdoors.

It may be recalled that two school children were killed when a coconut tree uprooted by a strong gale fell on them at Coles Park in Bharathinagar on June 22. If a coconut tree cannot withstand the strong wind, one wonders how rain trees will resist the strong gales, which have become a common feature in Bangalore these days.

There are more than 600 rain trees, providing the much needed greenery in the colony. If these trees are not trimmed and pruned on time, they pose a danger to the lives of the people.

“We have requested the Forest Department several times to do the needful. Whenever we approach them they promise to solve our problems but nothing has happened so far,” says Mrs Neena Monapa, vice-president, Defence Colony Residents Association (DECORA).

These trees are suitable for 100-feet roads and not for 30 or 40 feet roads. Trucks or tempos find it difficult to enter the third main road of the colony because of a tree, which has low hanging branches.

“When the Forest Department supplied saplings in 1976, we planted them and nursed them without realising that these trees will one day pose a threat to us” said Neena.

There is a park between second main and third main, which serves as a green lung for the colony. But old people fear to take a walk in the park, as a few trees are bending dangerously.

“We are ready to plant three saplings for each tree that is removed. But authorities concerned are yet to take action,” said Monappa. Will the officials free the Defence Colony residents from the rain tree menace?