BENGALURU: The short-staffed forest cell of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is under immense pressure, with over 131 tree and 192 branch-fall incidents reported since Thursday following heavy rain, hailstorms and strong winds.
According to sources, one assistant conservator of forests (ACF) has been assigned charge of three city corporations, while another is handling two corporations. Similarly, there are only three range forest officers against the sanctioned strength of five. Of the 10 deputy range forest officer posts, only eight have been filled.
“Due to the ongoing Census-27 survey work, our energy gets exhausted. The evening downpours are also taking a toll on our physical and mental health. We have requested the appointment and deployment of additional forest staff to attend to emergencies, but the issue is yet to be addressed,” said an official of the rank of assistant conservator of forests.
Officials fear that the upcoming Special Intensive Revision work, coupled with the rainy season expected to continue till November, may leave them with little time to prune trees or clear uprooted trees and fallen branches.
Meanwhile, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has issued a circular directing officials to clear tree branches and debris stored on footpaths within GBA limits.
“It has been observed that due to the recent rains within GBA limits, several trees and branches have fallen and are being cleared by tree canopy management teams. However, in many places, uprooted trees and branches have been left on footpaths. Officials concerned must remove such debris by deploying shredding machines and transporting the crushed waste to compost units,” the circular stated.