Decision makers:
Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner Estate
Tushar Giri Nath BBMP Commissioner
Assistant Conservator of Forests (Tree Officer)
Demands:
Remove the concrete within one meter radius around trees and restore the soil surface.
Penalise contractors concretising tree bases to ensure that no future concretisation or construction work happens within one meter radius of the tree base.
Any kind of signage and other damaging elements need to be removed from trees.
Ensure that no damage comes to the tree trunk or roots during de-concretisation or signage removal.
An area of one meter needs to be left radially around the base of the tree while constructing new pavements or roads.
Set up a helpline for citizens to report concretisation of tree bases
What is the issue?
Almost 1,000 trees were uprooted in Bengaluru between May 6 and May 12, due to heavy rains. However, the rains were not entirely the reason for this.
The issue stems from the widespread concretisation around tree bases, which obstructs root aeration and water percolation, cutting off their access to oxygen and water. This harmful practice damages the root systems, weakening trees and eventually leading to their death. As a result, trees become vulnerable to falling even during light winds or showers.
As our city's concretisation continues unchecked, hundreds of trees, both young and old, face an untimely demise. The loss of our green cover is not the only concern. The falling trees pose a significant threat to the lives and property of Bengaluru’s residents. The reckless concretisation around trees will directly contribute to an increase in accidents and hazards.
In 2013, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that a one-meter open space be maintained around all tree bases in the capital city of Delhi. This regulation is essential not only for the health of trees in our capital city but here in Bengaluru as well.
We urgently call on the authorities to take action. It is imperative to de-concretise the tree bases across Bengaluru and enforce regulations to prevent future concretisation. By doing so, we can prevent further tree-falling incidents, thereby safeguarding the lives of our citizens and preserving the city's precious green cover.
Sources:
Decision makers:
Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner Estate
Tushar Giri Nath BBMP Commissioner
Assistant Conservator of Forests (Tree Officer)
Demands:
Remove the concrete within one meter radius around trees and restore the soil surface.
Penalise contractors concretising tree bases to ensure that no future concretisation or construction work happens within one meter radius of the tree base.
Any kind of signage and other damaging elements need to be removed from trees.
Ensure that no damage comes to the tree trunk or roots during de-concretisation or signage removal.
An area of one meter needs to be left radially around the base of the tree while constructing new pavements or roads.
Set up a helpline for citizens to report concretisation of tree bases
What is the issue?
Almost 1,000 trees were uprooted in Bengaluru between May 6 and May 12, due to heavy rains. However, the rains were not entirely the reason for this.
The issue stems from the widespread concretisation around tree bases, which obstructs root aeration and water percolation, cutting off their access to oxygen and water. This harmful practice damages the root systems, weakening trees and eventually leading to their death. As a result, trees become vulnerable to falling even during light winds or showers.
As our city's concretisation continues unchecked, hundreds of trees, both young and old, face an untimely demise. The loss of our green cover is not the only concern. The falling trees pose a significant threat to the lives and property of Bengaluru’s residents. The reckless concretisation around trees will directly contribute to an increase in accidents and hazards.
In 2013, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that a one-meter open space be maintained around all tree bases in the capital city of Delhi. This regulation is essential not only for the health of trees in our capital city but here in Bengaluru as well.
We urgently call on the authorities to take action. It is imperative to de-concretise the tree bases across Bengaluru and enforce regulations to prevent future concretisation. By doing so, we can prevent further tree-falling incidents, thereby safeguarding the lives of our citizens and preserving the city's precious green cover.
Sources: