Experts urge forest dept to hold tree fest to educate people on growing the right species

"Erratic, non systematic planting of trees without proper planning, due to lack of knowledge on what kind of trees can be planted near homes or roads, would lead to many such requests by the general public, when they face threats like roots percolating or disturbing the foundation of their houses and other reasons," said T S Harsha, Chairman, Department of Environmental Science, Karnataka State Open University.

Mysuru: Even as 40 trees were axed for widening of Hyder Ali road in Mysuru, three weeks ago, Mysuru City Corporation officials claimed that most of the applications to fell trees have been received from the general public, who claim that they are a threat to their life or property, than those cut for developmental works.

Experts say that the forest department should host a tree fest or seminar on what kind of trees people can grow near homes and other places. 

"Out of 462 applications MCC presented to the Forest department for cutting trees in April 2023-March 2024, 458 were from the general public. From April 1 to April 15 this year, MCC  has received 25 applications from the public for cutting trees,"said MCC Horticulture inspector Y C Puneeth Kumar. 

Permits sought to cut trees threatening life and property

"Erratic, non systematic planting of trees without proper planning, due to lack of knowledge on what kind of trees can be planted near homes or roads, would lead to many such requests by the general public, when they face threats like roots percolating or disturbing the foundation of their houses and other reasons. Planting trees shouldn't just be a ritual. When people nourish their passion for nature, they should exercise caution too. They should choose species of trees and plants responsibly and carefully, so that we can save them for a long time,"  said T S Harsha, Chairman, Department of Environmental Science, Karnataka State Open University. 

Tree Fest

Major Gen (Retd) Sudhir G Vombatkere said, "The Forest department must organise tree seminars or tree festivals twice a year to educate the general public on different kinds of trees that they can plant near their homes and that are not likely to threaten the foundation of their homes. "

Safe trees

Sharing some of species of trees that can be planted near homes, Harsha said, "People can plant Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica). Its root is deep and non-invasive. It provides shade and has medicinal properties, and attracts beneficial insects. They can even choose the Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa). Its root system is generally deep and less aggressive. While it is considered a sacred tree, scientifically it supports biodiversity and provides good shade. They can plant the Jamun tree (Syzygium cumin). Its root system is deep and not invasive. It produces edible fruit and is drought-resistant. They can also plant Moringa (Moringa oleifera). It has a tap root system, which is less likely to disturb the foundation of houses. It is fast growing, with nutritious leaves and it is drought resistant.

Forest department officials informed that those planting saplings or seedlings near homes should choose short trees with small crowns, like Indian Beech trees.

Plant in parks

Vombatkere said, "People can also nurture their love of the environment by planting trees in parks when they do not have adequate space. I have grown about 15 trees including five rain trees from December 11, 1999, in a park in Vijayanagar's first stage. I dug the pit, watered them, and managed them," he said.

Adopt parks

Puneeth said that even though there are 529 parks in Mysuru city spread over 18 lakh sq feet, only 295 of them have been developed. So people can express their environment love and contribute to increasing the green cover of the city from 13 per cent (while it should be 33 per cent), by adopting parks under 'Namma Mysuru-Namma Koduge' programme for a fixed period, beautifying them, planting trees and maintain them.

According to forest department officials, as per Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, they can permit cutting trees if there is a request for road widening to ease traffic congestion, if the trees are dangerous to life and property, or if they are dead trees. The department conducts a public hearing when they permit the cutting of more than 50 trees.

Puneeth said, "Permission is not given by the forest department for all the applications given to cut trees. During 2022-23, while MCC gave 482 applications permission including those from the general public, the forest department was permitted, to cut 324 trees," he said.

K N Basavaraju, DCF, Mysuru Territorial division said,"Most applications from the general public for cutting trees are due to the rapid expansion of the city. They apply when roots of old trees near the constructed homes enter water tanks and block pipes or affect the foundation; or when they construct houses in old layouts where there are old dried trees, with dried branches, which are perceived as dangerous with a probability of uprooting or falling during heavy winds. We prefer to cultivate fast-growing, ornamental, flowering species of trees without a wide canopy, and without horizontal roots, which provide shade like Tabebuia in residential areas. We will consider holding a Tree fest."