Cost of guarding a Rs 1 lakh tree: Rs 10 lakh

Cost of guarding a Rs 1 lakh tree: Rs 10 lakh



B Aravinda ShettyFirst Published : 15 Mar 2009 03:11:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 15 Mar 2009 11:56:51 AM IST
BANGALORE: Strange as it may seem, a fifteen-year-old sandalwood tree in the High Court premises near Cubbon Park enjoys round-the-clock security by the City Armed Reserve (CAR) police apart from security by the High Court police. According to the sources in the High Court, the price of the tree is not more than Rs 1 lakh and interestingly the police department is spending (read splurging) around Rs 10 lakh an year in terms of salaries to the CAR police who are guarding this 'precious' sandalwood tree.
This precious tree has been given special attention by the High Court security people.
Interestingly, the night security for this tree was tighter than daytime security.
While watching the High Court premises, three policemen have been placed on guard for this tree and what more the High Court has even provided search lights to the police.
Every five minutes the policemen focus the light on the tree. When asked for the rationale involved behind such security, which might rival that of any high-profile person, a CAR policeman who has been guarding the tree for five years said that, “It was the part of our duty to guard this tree, because this is the only sandalwood tree in the High Court premises, so we have considered it as precious tree. Sandalwood trees in Cubbon Park were stolen and owing to this tree’s proximity to Cubbon Park, we are giving more attention to the tree.” A police officer in the High Court told on the condition of anonymity. echoed the CAR policeman’s sentiments, “Yes, we are providing round-the-clock security to the tree, which is situated in the backyard of the High Court. During daytime, three policemen guard the tree and in night three policemen are on their feet, equipped with powerful search light.” In the middle of this one wonders if this is a no-brainer of massive proportions. Advocate and notary N P Amruthesh said that: “Round-the-clock security is not necessary for this. The government is spending too much of money to guard of this tree.”