No steps taken yet on trimming of trees

No steps taken yet on trimming of trees

The Hindu

Work suspended after opposition from environmental groups, residents' associations

# Task force recommends cutting or trimming branches of 702 trees
# 1,100 electric poles also to be shifted
# Forest Department asked to appoint a tree officer

BANGALORE: More than six months after the task force appointed by the Government to improve the traffic situation in the city recommended cutting or trimming the branches of 702 trees along roads, not much has happened. The tree-felling exercise was suspended after stiff opposition from environmental groups and residents' associations.

The trees listed to be felled are those which prevented the widening of roads or blocked the view of drivers at intersections. While some could be retained after trimming their branches, others have to be removed altogether, the task force members were told. Along with the tree felling work, 1,100 electric poles were to be shifted; many still remain as they are.

The trees to be felled are located on St Mark's Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Race Course Road, T. Chowdiah Road, Sir C.V. Raman Road, Wheeler Road, Residency Road, Brigade Road, Nrupathunga Road (10 trees) and on Airport Road.

More recently, the task force in consultation with the traffic police, requested the Forest Department (Urban) to appoint a tree officer who can take a decision on which trees need to be felled or trimmed.

The traffic police maintain they are concerned about the environment but not at the cost of safety. They point out to the example of Cubbon Road where several Ashoka trees were trimmed and later treated with chemicals to prevent them from growing too tall. These trees still remain and are periodically trimmed.