Three centenarian trees face the axe

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Malleswaram residents are upset against the move to cut three fully-grown rain trees that have been there on the Malleswaram Railway Station premises for posing a threat to the structure. They claim these trees have been there for over 100 years and it was never perceived as a threat to the public or the station.

The residents are shocked that the over the forest department’s nod to the railways to cut these trees. “We are not happy with the forest department’s permission and have decided to continue our struggle to save these trees. They are a landmark at the railway station,” said Rekha, a resident.

It is learnt the Assistant Divisional Engineer of South Western Railway, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru has requested the Tree Officer and Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban Division to remove the three rain trees standing at Malleshwaram Railway Station as they were posing a threat to the safety of passengers and trains. According to the report submitted by the Tree Officer, the three rain trees are over-matured having sizeable GBH (Girth at Breast Height). It stated that the trees have overgrown and their roots are damaging the cement platform, thus creating a threat perception among the passengers and railway personnel besides raising the safety issue for the movement of moving trains.

It has also stated that there are 28 trees at the railway station and the remaining 25 trees need to be protected and properly maintained.

However, the residents are not happy with the forest department’s decision. “I want the railways to relook at the options available to save these trees. We cannot afford to cut the trees for one or the other reason or in the name of development. I appeal to the authorities concerned to reconsider their decision to cut these trees,’’ said Aravind Dwarakanath, a resident. Meanwhile, Assistant Divisional Engineer of South Western Railway was not available for comment.