GHMC to replace steel tree guards with fibre ones

HYDERABAD: Disturbed over the theft of steel tree guards placed around trees by petty thieves and rag pickers in Greater Hyderabad limits, the GHMC has drawn plans to replace them with fibre ones as these materials are difficult to sell as scrap.

Hundreds of steel tree guards were stolen in the last few years making the plant survival vulnerable. The civic body is already facing a shortage of these guards.

In the light of past experiences, GHMC is planning to procure plastic/fibre guards instead of steel ones. If the thieves steal fibre guards they won’t get any money by selling them, whereas steel tree guards get them anywhere between `300 to `400.

GHMC Urban Biodiversity wing officials said the State Forest Department has taken the decision that during the future tree plantation programme under Telangana Ku Haritha Haram.

The GHMC authorities have been instructed by the forest department to arrange self-supporting plastic or fibre tree guards.

To get visibility for TKHH plantations in GHMC areas, it is proposed to take avenue on main roads and in colonies for which they are essential.GHMC urban forestry wing is making efforts to get tree guards under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from corporate sectors and also from other voluntary organisations.

Each fibre guard costs around `180 to `200 whereas each steel guard costs around `700 to `750. As against one steel guard price, GHMC can procure at least three fibre guards at same rate, GHMC officials added.