THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If a tree poses a serious threat to motorists, the authorities will either ignore it or chop it off. However, the Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project (TCRIP) has included trees too under its safety norms. The roadside trees which pose a threat to motorists, especially night riders, will be soon armed with reflective signals. The Trivandrum Road Development Company Limited (TRDCL), the private consortium executing the road work, has started implementing the pilot project.
On a trial basis, the TRDCL officials have pasted a reflective screen on the main branch of a tree near Museum Junction. The TRDCL is in the process of identifying more such trees which pose a threat to motorists.
If the trial proves to be a success, then the TRDCL will extend the project to other areas. The branches leaning on to the road too will have to carry the reflective stickers.
TRDCL vice-president Anil Kumar Pandala said high-quality reflective stickers are being used on trees. ‘‘3M, one of the pioneer companies in this field, is supplying the reflective signs. Special adhesives are used in the corners so that it is difficult to peel the signs off. The stickers will reflect the light falling on it,’’ he said. Pandala added that the method will prevent the tress from getting chopped off for safety measures.
The project is being implemented on a pilot basis and it will be extended to other areas, if the desired result is achieved.
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