BANGALORE: If Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is cutting trees in the name of road-widening for addressing the problem of traffic decongestion, they are also claiming to have planted saplings, replacing the thousands of trees that have been felled in the last five years.
But it looks like, they are executing this work just for name sake. Many of the saplings have been planted all over the city in a highly unscientific manner.
The plants on Seshadri road near K R circle have not been planted properly. Although, it is necessary that atleast 10 to 12 feet gap should be maintained between two plants for better growth, two saplings have been planted in the same groove on the median. A few trees on the footpath are so close that there is a hindrance for their growth.
In between, tree guards have been put on either side of the road which is also done unscientifically.
No tree guard has been erected for the saplings, needing protection from stray cattle while tree guards have been put up for grown trees.
An estimated 5 lakh saplings is said to have been planted in 2010-11 but the target has not been met. Despite this, the target was increased to six lakh saplings during 2011-12. However, BBMP failed to meet their target in both the years.
With Bangalore developing rapidly, the garden city has paved way for metro construction and other projects and many trees cut for the same reason.
However, time and again, the authorities have promised that new saplings will be planted but there seems to be a lack of space for carrying on with this program.
When City Express spoke to Chandrashekar, the Superintendent of Horticulturist(East) he said “I will send officers for inspection. I can comment on this issue only after examination of the problem.”
When we tried contacting Anjanappa, Chairman, Standing Committee on Horticulture, he refused to comment on the issue.