Mango tree invites danger at popular picnic spot

The location is also a favourite shooting spot, say locals

A century-old mango tree, on the banks of river Cauvery at Gosai Ghat at Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, is inviting danger.

Gosai Ghat is a popular picnic spot, where a large number of people come to enjoy the scenic beauty, the river and visit the temple during weekend and holidays.

The tree on the premises had withered a year ago and is on the verge of collapsing. Small branches are seen snapping, even when it is a little windy.

The locals have submitted several memorandums to the Muzrai department demanding felling of the tree.

Advocate G N Ravish said that the tender to axe the tree was cancelled, as the quotation was low. The locals recall that the spot was a favourite among the filmmakers as many Kannada films have been shot under the tree with the river as the backdrop.

Range Forest Officer K M Mariswamy said that the department had assessed the value of the tree and that the onus was now on the Muzrai department to clear the same at the earliest, to ensure safety of hundreds of devotees and tourists who visit the place every day.

DH News Service