Environment experts blame concretisation, which makes the roots weaker, and lack of pruning for such an end
Over 119 trees have been uprooted and portions of 15 buildings have collapsed in the national Capital this monsoon, so far. Interestingly, more than 50 trees were felled by the heavy pre-monsoon showers. Environment experts have blamed urban planners and civic bodies for the problem.
Over the years, concretisation around trees has damaged their roots and made them weaker. In addition, the lack of pruning also affects their structural stability.
Between May 20 and June 6, over 119 trees were felled by thunderstorms and heavy rains under the jurisdiction of three municipal corporations. The trees also damaged vehicles and overhead wires.
The civic bodies — south, east, and north — recorded over 125 complaints of uprooted trees and broken branches. At least 71 trees were uprooted in south Delhi, 36 in north, and 12 in east Delhi, in areas including Gulmohar Park, C R Park, Saket, Masjid Moth, GK-2, Pamposh Enclave, Kalkaji, Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Daryaganj, Lakshmi Nagar, among others.
In May alone, 44 trees were uprooted at 20-25 locations. At least eight to nine trees had fallen on the Shershah Marg.
Residents in these areas say that despite numerous requests to the civic body, trees have not been pruned in years. Moreover, while laying and repairing roads, the area surrounding the trees is concretised, which does not allow water to seep to the roots.
“Trees are not pruned for years. Then heavy branches fall off and damage the vehicles parked on the roadsides. When it rained recently, we requested the civic bodies to remove the broken tree logs lying in the middle of the roads that were blocking the traffic movement. When no action was taken for almost a week, residents got together and removed the logs from the roads,” Kailash Colony resident Ashish Jain said.
Analysis
The authorities need to find a solution to the problem of concretisation, especially in view of the severe air pollution in the Capital.
At the same time, proper equipment and vehicles need to be made available to them so that they can perform their duty without any hassle.
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