90-year-old banyan tree falls near Queen’s statue

90-year-old banyan tree falls near Queen’s statue
Tuesday September 25 2007 12:09 IST

Express News Service

BANGALORE: A 90-year-old banyan tree fell opposite to Queen’s statue near Cubbon Park, blocking the traffic for around an hour on Monday morning. Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) tree warden officials who were rushed to the spot to clear the branches said that around 30 vehicles which were parked in the allotted parking area were damaged.

The task of clearing the branches will be carried out with the help of the Horticulture and Fisheries Department, a senior Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike forest official said.

‘‘Branches of the banyan tree had become heavy and this inturn weakened the roots of the old tree trunk. We have axed the tree and the place will be cleared soon. The BBMP will not give compensation to people whose vehicles have been damaged,’’ a senior BBMP tree official said.

People who witnessed the tree fall said that the incident took place within seconds. ‘‘We were standing near the bikes, when the tree fell. The parked bikes have been severly damaged. Traffic police officals, BBMP officials and the citizens had to lift the branches to search for motorcycles,’’ said Raja, a parking official.