Bengaluru losing green cover to hoardings, commercial spaces, finds survey

The sight of mutilated trees has become common across the city. Over 70 trees have been partially cut and left to die in various parts of the city.

The trees have been cut by builders and construction workers to make way for buildings and commercial spaces. Many trees are dying a slow death because of rods inserted into them by construction workers who use them as supports during construction. Some trees are also injected with chemicals to make them wither. A survey by a city-based environmental organisation, Save Green, revealed that most trees were cut near malls, tech parks, police stations and schools in different parts of the city.

“A lot of trees have been cut by builders and advertising agencies. The trees are cut to create parking spaces and to ensure a clear view of commercial sign boards. They also spike trees with metal rods which crack the tree and weaken its roots leaving the tree to die and give an impression that it died naturally,”said Hemant K, founder of Save Green.

Trees have been cut in 21 areas including Trinity Metro station, Manyata Tech Park, Binnamangala, Kundalahalli Hyper City Mall, Domlur flyover and Old Airport Road.

“For years, trees have been making way for hoardings. People come around midnight and cut trees to avoid being caught. These days, trees are being injected with chemicals that cause the tree to wither rapidly and fall. Two such chemical-injected trees can be found on Wind Tunnel Road signal, Murugeshpalya,” added Hemant. “The spots where trees have been cut have been cemented leaving no trace of tree-cutting. We have filed several complaints with the BBMP but no action has been taken yet,” said Hemant.

A BBMP forest official told DH, “It is illegal to cut trees in half and for putting up hoardings.”