The Hindu 07.08.2014
Report tabled on removal of concrete
Cement around tree trunks removed on over six roads: civic body
The Chennai Corporation has left pavement tiles, removed
as part of measures for doing away with concrete around trees, on the
platforms itself.
R. Nagendran, expert member of
National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Bench, made the observation on
Wednesday during the hearing of a case filed by P. Edwin Wilson, of
Purasawalkam, on the removal of concrete around trees on the city roads.
In
June, the NGT’s vacation bench, comprising judicial member P.
Jyothimani and expert member G.K. Pandey, directed the Corporation to
remove concrete laid around trees along the roads, within a week.
The
order was aimed at allowing better percolation of water and growth of
trees. The petitioner stated that it had become a common sight to see
trees along the road being choked by tar or cement laid around them.
Concretising the base would also weaken avenue trees, posing a threat to the safety of road users, he said.
On
Wednesday, the Corporation’s counsel submitted an ‘action taken’ report
to the bench comprising judicial member M. Chockalingam and expert
member R. Nagendran.
The civic body said it had instructed all its zonal officers to remove concrete and bitumen laid within one meter of trees.
The
report stated that cement concrete covering tree trunks was removed
from trees on over six roads, including Balfour Road, Luz Avenue and
Kilpauk Garden Road. The space was then filled with gravel and sand to
allow percolation of water.
“Action is being taken to
remove all signboards, advertisement boards and wires on trees,” the
report stated. The Corporation is also conducting a study on the health
of avenue trees and public trees by engaging an expert agency that will
submit a report to the NGT.
The counsel for the
petitioner pointed out that concrete was still present beneath the
gravel. The case has been adjourned to September 23.
Corporation’s counsel submitted an ‘action taken’ report to the NGT, Southern Bench
Report states action is being taken to remove boards and wires, too
