BENGALURU: Lack of waste bins and public apathy have turned fencing around trees into dumps along Seshadri Road, near KR Circle.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had put metal fencing around at least seven to eight saplings, which were planted some years ago along the footpath near Maharani College and SJR Polytechnic College. The BBMP fences the plants till they reach a particular height to protect them from cattle. After that, the metal rings are removed and used elsewhere.
Though these saplings have now grown into young trees, the fence has not been removed. While the trees were saved from errant cattle, they have fallen prey to uncaring public.
Inside you find an assortment of plastic plates, chocolate wrappers and cigarettes along with dry leaves.
The pourakarmikas who sweep this stretch of road do not clear the waste because they can’t reach the bottom of these deep enclosures.
Who is to take the blame for littering and possibly affecting the growth of these trees? Public blamed the BBMP for their negligence and the latter blamed the residents for their poor civic sense.
Adarsh S, first year student of Government Arts College, said BBMP is to blame for not taking proper care of the city. “They are indirectly encouraging people to litter more,” he said. Sadashiva R, diploma student at SJR Polytechnic College, accused the general public for their indifference towards the trees. He also believes that the civic agency is late to act.
Shakeel, a street vendor, is worried that it would affect the health of those around. “If people continuously stuff the fencing with litter, garbage could add up and lead to breakout of some contiguous diseases. It could even lead to breeding of rats. People would only be paying for their deeds then,” he said.
Mayor Manjunath Reddy blamed people for irresponsible behaviour. “It is their duty to protect the trees,” he said.
He, however, assured that he would look into the matter. Padmavati Narasimhamurthy, member of BBMP Standing Committee (Horticulture), too said she has not received any complaints in this regard. But, now that it has been brought to her attention, she promised to look into the matter.
Environmentalist B N Thyagaraja said that more harm will be done to humans than the trees from this. “There are many busy areas near this stretch, including a maternity centre. Diseases could spread.”
The situation speaks of the “negligence of both the city corporation and the citizens,” he said.