BANGALORE: The city lost yet another landmark site on Friday, when the famous banyan tree at Basaveshwaranagar fell, supposedly due to natural causes. The second biggest tree in Bangalore, the banyan tree of Banyan Tree Park, was more than 300 years old. A branch of the tree had fallen on Thursday evening and at around midnight on Thursday, the entire tree fell, its trunk split into parts. Residents in the area and officials assume that the tree might have fallen as the trunk could not support its weight.
“The tree was very old and its trunk had turned hollow. Nothing could have been done,” said MB Venkatesh, BBMP Tree Officer (South Zone). In addition to being a favourite hangout area for residents around, the tree also housed many birds and small animals. Poojas were also held in front of the tree, wherein a Munishwara idol was placed. “The whole area would be alive with the chirping of birds in the mornings and evenings. All the birds have left now,” said M Chandrashekhar, a resident.
The tree had fallen over a large area and crushed some benches, lamp posts and a part of the fence. The extent of the damage has not been assessed yet, said Subbanna.
“Staff of BBMP and Forest Department would remove the remains of the tree within 3-4 days. The Forest Department would then auction the tree,” he said.
Shantakumar, the contractor who is incharge of maintaining the park, said that the tree had been unstable for the last two years. “I had informed Forest Department officials, requesting them to treat the tree to protect it, but nothing was done.” BBMP Horticulture Superintendent Subbanna said that the BBMP Horticulture Department was in-charge of protecting the tree and that measures were taken a few months back to strengthen the tree’s roots. BBMP officials are planning to plant a banyan tree in the same location. “A new tree will be planted in 15 days,” said Venkateshappa.