Fallen tree trunk poses hazard to pedestrians

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: In a classic case of apathy, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Forest Department is yet to clear the trunk of a huge tree that fell due to rain fury eight months ago at Pulakeshinagar.

The tree fell on Robertson Road at Pulakeshinagar ward of Pulakeshinagar Assembly segment on May 22, 2021. The BBMP’s Forest Department had engaged a contractor to clear the remnants of the fallen tree, which have been cleared, but the uprooted trunk still remains on the footpath opposite Liyakath Ali Khan’s residence.

The residents said two to three people were injured when they fell into the ditch. “I have informed the BBMP authorities as well as nodal officer of Pulakeshinagar ward about the need of removing the uprooted trunk from the footpath. Two people fell into the ditch near the uprooted trunk. It has become a dangerous spot for unwary children,” said Habiba Subhan, a social worker from Frazer Town. She said a BBMP Forest Department officer has asked her to arrange an earth moving machine to clear the trunk from the footpath.

Expressing concern over the apathy of the authorities concerned, Zareen Taj, a homemaker, has recalled how she fell into the ditch three months ago. “I sustained injuries when I fell into the ditch while rushing onto the road to buy something. I want the authorities to clear the uprooted tree trunk and restore the footpath,” said Zareen Taj.

Nagalakshmi told News Trail that she too fell into the ditch on December 31. “I was rushing to get into an autorickshaw. In a hurry, I did not notice the ditch. I came to visit my sister here, but returned home with injuries.”

Pulakeshinagar Traffic Police Inspector has assured to look into the matter. “I have received information about the abandoned uprooted tree trunk on the footpath. I will ask the BBMP Forest Department to clear the remnants of the uprooted tree as early as possible for the benefit of residents and pedestrians,’’ the inspector said.

However, BBMP Assistant Executive Engineer Thippe Swamy G, who is also a nodal officer for Pulakeshinagar ward, was not available to comment on this issue.

Expressing concern over the inconvenience to the residents and pedestrians, Vijay Nishanth, known as a Tree Doctor, opined that the BBMP Forest Department should have sufficient funds to clear the uprooted tree trunks or root bowls from the footpath.

Meanwhile, Govindaraju V, Assistant Conservator of Forests Sub Division, has assured to look into the matter. “I will direct my subordinate to visit the spot,” he said.