BANGALORE: A branch of a tree fell on an autorickshaw on K G Road opposite Bannappa park on Monday. The autorickshaw was completely damaged, though no casualty was reported.
The incident took place around 2 pm when the auto driver had parked the auto and had gone to City Civil Court. Nagesh, the auto driver, said he had to park the vehicle on the road as autorickshawas are not allowed inside the court.
Muniraj, a forest officer, East zone, said that the tree was very old and the branches had dried up.
He said the termites had damaged a part of the branch, due to which it fell unexpectedly. Further, Muniraj added that action would be taken to clear the branch from the road.
The branch fell on an electric wire which minimised the damage. The official added that Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike would give necessary compensation to the auto driver.
We are examining old trees: BBMP
A BBMP official from forest department said that they have taken up the task of examining old trees. “If branches are weak, we trim them. Also, treatment is provided for diseased trees,” the official said.
Speaking about the frequent instances of trees falling in the city, he explained that mechanical imbalance results in uprooting.
Old tress of about 100 years or more need to be checked regularly. However, the department was cautious about chopping the branches of ‘religious’ trees, as it might hurt sentiments of the people in the city.
Reasons for trees to
fall
■ Lack of water circulation
■ Old trees
■ Hollow trees that cannot survive strong wind
Tree falling cases in the past
six months
■ Nov 17, 2011: Four persons sustained injuries and a moving BMTC bus was damaged when a tree came crashing down on it at Akkithimmanahalli in Shanthinagar.
■ January 30, 2012: Two cars and a couple of two-wheelers were damaged and traffic movement came to a standstill for about four hours after a tree in a military compound near Shoolay Circle fell across the busy Hosur Road. Two persons were injured in the incident.
■ February 5, 2012: A biker was killed on the spot and three others sustained injuries after a tree fell on them near MET School on Nagashettyhalli Main Road in Sanjayanagar
■ March 10, 2012: Traffic and electricity supply were affected after a tree fell in Jayanagar 4th T Block