Damaged trees pose threat to commuters

Coimbatore: The recent rains in the city have left many roadside trees damaged, posing a threat to commuters. Residents urged the corporation to prune damaged branches and cut off the trees that are on the verge of being uprooted.
“Water inundation on roadsides has loosened the soil thereby weakening the roots. Some of the trees were partially uprooted. We had petitioned the city corporation a few days back but there has not been any response,” said S Krishnan, a resident of Ram Nagar.
A senior official of the corporation said they have started to prune tree branches wherever it is necessary. “But the authority to cut off trees is vested with the revenue department. We have taken up the matter with the revenue officials,” said the official.
However, activists and resident welfare associations asked the administration to remain sensitive on cutting down trees as unscrupulous felling of trees may further affect the green cover of the city.
“There is no second thought that the roadside trees that got damaged due to rain need to be removed to avoid accidents. But at the same time, it should not pave way for unnecessary felling of trees,” said M Loganathan, state coordinator of Federation for Sustainable Development.
He added that administration should develop a comprehensive database of trees in the city. “On many occasions, owners of commercial establishment cut off trees on roadsides illegally to ensure better visibility to their facilities. Having a database of trees will prevent such activities.”
K Syed Kattuva of Marangalukku Maruvalu Amaippu said most stretches of the city have exotic trees like May flower, pelta forum tree, ‘Albizia saman’ tree and ‘thoongu moonji maram’. These trees are easily damaged during rain unlike the native tree species.
Stressing on the necessity to save existing trees than planting new ones, Syed Kattuva said the administration must engage experts who can give suggestion on the health condition of trees so that trees can be saved by ways of restoration instead of cutting them down.