Unbelievable! Tree poisoned in Garden City

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Residents of 8th Cross, BTM 2nd Stage were shocked to see a 30-year-old Tabebuia Rosea tree’s branches dry up gradually recently while other trees remained green.

“I noticed some holes on the tree trunk. Miscreants might have used some chemicals to kill the tree,’’ said Sunil Babu B.A., a resident.

Vijay Nishanth, known as ‘Tree Doctor,’ said he would try his best to save the tree while BBMP Range Forest Officer Narendra Babu R said: “I am contemplating registering a FIR against those responsible.’’

While many people are spending their valuable time and resources to preserve greenery in Bengaluru, a few people, out of ignorance or greed are killing trees. Residents of 8th Cross, BTM 2nd Stageare shocked to see a 30-yearold tabebuia rosea tree branches dry up gradually while other trees are green.

The residents want the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Forest Department to act tough against those responsible for killing the tree. “My friend has noticed tree branches are gradually drying out. I visited the spot and noticed some holes on the tree trunk. The miscreants might have used some chemicals to kill the tree,” said Sunil Babu B.A., a resident. 

A few residents are of the opinion the killing of the tree would encourage others who consider trees as a hindrance to follow a similar modus operandi. “I have noticed the condition of the tree while visiting a nearby bakery with my friends to have snacks and tea. I felt sad to see the tree branches drying up gradually. I suspect some unknown chemical was used to kill the tree,” said Bhumi Reddy, a resident.

Expressing shock and dismay over the killing of a well-grown tree, Vijay Nishanth, also known as a Tree Doctor, has said that he would visit the spot and try his best to save the tree. “I will start treatment for the tree from tomorrow. I want the BBMP authorities to take a stringent action against those responsible for the condition of the tree,” Nishanth added.

It is believed that miscreants drilled around 10 holes, each one a foot-deep, on the tree trunk and injected chemicals into the holes for a few days. Meanwhile, B B M P Range Forest Officer Narendra Babu R has said that he was aware of the incident. “I am visiting the spot tomorrow and contemplating registering a first information report (FIR) against those responsible for killing the tree,” said Narendra Babu.

He said as per the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or orders made thereunder shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both. Upon such conviction the court may order any property in respect of which the offence is committed to be forfeited to the State Government. \

However, M Sreeram, an environmentalist who played a key role to save and nurture hundreds of trees in and around K.R. Puram, has demanded the BBMP Forest Department not to be apathetic or negligent towards their responsibilities.

“Two similar incidents took place a few months ago – one at K.R. Puram and the other at Battarahalli. Some irresponsible property owners killed well-grown trees. We complained to the BBMP Forest Department officials but no action was taken against those responsible,” said Sreeram.