This 'woodcutter' knows how to fix a deep-rooted problem

Delayed response by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Forest Cell to the tree fall complaints prompted Jude Rajesh Ferrao, a resident of HRBR Layout, to take matter rather axe into his own hands.

 The 49-year-old Ferrao procured tree cutting machine five years ago from a dealer at NR Road after the Palike Forest cell didn’t bother to clear the tree at his locality despite repeated complaints.

“Many trees were uprooted in Banaswadi and other parts of East zone owing to strong winds and heavy showers in 2009. The uncleared trees and branches had led to traffic jams. I  called up the BBMP helplines but to no avail. That’s when, I decided to take up the task of clearing the fallen trees, of course with the help of locals. I bought the machine on May 27, 2009 for Rs 30,000, ” said, Ferrao, a civil defence personnel.

Ferrao got into the act of clearing the trees uprooted during thunder showers and monsoon. Till date, he has cleared about 50-60 full-grown trees that had fallen on houses, footpaths and lanes.

Recalling his first experience, Ferrao said, “In 2009, a huge tree fell on a house where six people were residing. I got a call from Banaswadi Police (Law and Order) for the rescue operation. I was happy that I could do it successfully and saved lives.” The machine weighing about five kilos runs on petrol.

“There is maintenance that needs to be done after every use. It has a tank with a capacity of 650 ml and a lubrication tank as well,” he added.  Ferrao, who is working as deputy division warden at Division 43, Civil Defence for the past four years, said that this season he has cleared 11 trees with his machine. What’s more, even the Palike hires his service
“We were deputed by the BBMP for clearing tree branches and trees. The machines brought by the Palike workers were not maintained properly. Hence, I preferred using my machine.”  Ferrao said that he had lodged complaint with BBMP ACF East Sathyanarayana about a full grown tree which is in a bad shape. 

‘No rights to cut tree’

“The tree can collapse any moment. As I do not have the right to cut the tree, I bought it to the notice of the officer (ACF-East Sathyanarayana). But the said official has not bothered to respond,” laments Ferrao, who is also the president of  Citizens' Welfare Association, HRBR 2nd Block.