Leave roots of trees alone, warns Palike

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Krishnappa said this on Wednesday.

He said digging near the roots, cutting or any other activity that tamper the roots lead to imbalance and results in uprooting of trees.

He said if the earth around the tree was not tampered with, the roots would have a firm grip and the tree would not fall easily.

Krishnappa said even while constructing footpaths, enough space should be left around the trees for water to percolate to the roots.

He said he would speak to the Palike commissioner in this regard and added that other civic agencies should be asked to be more careful while laying wires or pipelines to ensure the work doesn’t interfere with the roots of trees.

He said the Forest Department would propose to fine all those who tamper with the roots.

“We need to use the powers we have to enforce such measures to keep the greenery and also avoid such accidents,” he said.

He said surveys would be held to identify old trees in the city that needed pruning to avoid accidents like the one that took place on Wednesday.

Referring to Wednesday’s accident, Krishnappa said the tree was more than 60 years old.

He said the injured have suffered injuries on their legs, hands and head and have been taken to NIMHANS.

He said the Mayor has suggested compensation but it would be decided on the severity of the injury. BBMP officials said there was no provision to pay for the damages caused to the bus but they would consider compensating the victims.