Weak trees cut for monsoon

Weak trees cut for monsoon
The BCC has cut down trees with weak roots and branches, and there is no cause for fear
The TImes of India


Come monsoon showers and the citizens get the jitters. Although the rains bring a welcome respite from the hot summer, the roads get inundated and the

gusty winds bring the large trees and branches crashing down causing traffic bottle-necks and loss of property.
In tandem with the greening of Bangalore, the Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) has also launched precautionary measures to combat the perils of the rainy

season this year. "For the past five months before the onset of the monsoon, we have undertaken the onerous task of pruning branches and cutting down trees

with weak roots," says Krishna Udapudi, Dy Conservator of Forests, BCC. "The pre-monsoon showers are always accompanied by gusty wind. There are many trees

in Bangalore which were planted almost 20 years ago. These trees have roots which are old and rotten to withstand the force of the wind and it is these trees

that buckle under," he says. It is tragic to note that between May 9 and 30, a whopping 196 trees fell due to the inclement weather. Udapudi states that in the

East Zone 65 trees and 49 branches fell to the weather while 60 trees and 19 branches were lost in the West Zone alone. "Fortunately this time there was no loss

of life," he says.
The present authority is taking several measures not only to curb the tree fall rate but also to continue the greening project.. Various neighbourhoods have

been identified to start planting of fresh saplings. The breeds of these plants have been chosen with significance to the robust and sturdy root pattern. "A

variety of honge, neem, sampige, bakula and cascia plants have been discovered to have strong roots to withstand gusts of wind. With June 5 being World

Environment Day, we launched the tree planting drive on this day," says Udapudi. Saplings have been planted in Adarshnagar, Srinivasanagar, Sanjaynagar and

Chamarajpet on the first day. A total of 600 trees have been earmarked for this initiative which will be implemented on a daily basis
Presently, the trees will be planted only on main roads, arterial roads, medians, boulevards and government property but will soon be extended to include

hospitals and schools. "For any civic venture to achieve success public participation is absolutely necessary," says Udupadi. "We request the public to inform us

if they spot any potential danger of tree falls or broken branches," he adds.