While doing up the footpaths/ roads, a few years back, the paving/ concreting was done almost choking the tree trunks/ roots, as seen in the pictures below:
When the Koramangala residents brought the matter to the notice of the MLA (Mr Ramalinga Reddy), it must be said to his credit that he immediately ordered the scooping out the concrete from around the roots of the trees, and pits be provided for planting saplings where there were large gaps between existing trees/ plants - check this. However, the job was left quarter done.
Finally, it was after the incumbent Commissioner, Mr Siddiah, made an announcement at this meeting that he will be rectifying the damage all across the city, that things started moving, resulting in the unshackling of the roots of many trees, at least in Koramangala, with some residents adding their bit to add more greenery, as seen in the picture below:
Good work - BBMP. The green awareness is apparently catching on.
Muralidhar Rao
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Comments
I hope, remaining trees in same area get to breathe too
Murali Sir,
Good you pointed out all the specific details of the health of the trees, I see many of them are able to breathe now, but I want that to happen to all the trees in STBed, Koramangala area, I have seen them only at few places (main road etc), but other trees are still struggling to breathe. I have mentioned the same here, I hope we will be able to make them unchoke the throat of all the trees.
Also, regarding the same topic, while road-widening of the Hosur Road near Adugodi is happening, the same conditions are being done to the trees near the TATA showroom in front of star bazaar, trees are choked of the tar when roads are made there. Something to be done at other places also. I am not able to understand what polcies, norms do these BBMP engineers are following, everywhere they are hurting the trees. And when news and talks of un-choking of the trees going now, they still do the same mistake in the new road buildings, is that negligence, ignorance or indirect way of getting rid of trees from the way?
Deepak
Trees in our Bangalore
One of the big branch of a tree in 35 D cross is leaning dangerously and may fall. Can any one guide me to whom we have to alterrt for curtting the branch to safe guard citizens and cars etc., which are parked under the said tree. Please call me on 9036241672
Shyam Sunder
shyamsm1@yahoo.com
try these out
@ Shamsundar
Sri Shanthakumar Conservator of Forest - 22485317, 9449831404
Sri Puttaswamy Deputy Conservator of Forest (South) - 9480684641
Sri Suresh Forest Officer (ACF-East) - 9480683127
The above are the numbers I got from the BBMP site. The info is largely available on the net these days, though of course they don't make it too easy for you to figure out who covers your specific area. They are there largely to fulfill a requirement, and not because of any love for the trees or a commitment to the job, barring exceptions, of course.
nurturing avenue trees
Any one interested in the subject of nurturing avenue trees cannot afford to miss out on presentation linked here
Wrote to BBMP commisioner about choking issue
I have observed that commisioner has ordered to remove the tar/asphalt/concrete from the base of the trees at around end of march-11, but still nto all trees are given space to breathe and the new development are taking care of this issue like road-widening and new road in front of Forum mall and Star bazaar.
here is what I have wrote -
The Commissioner,
BBMP, Corporation Circle,
Bangalore 560001
Subject: Tree bases being covered with asphalt and tar.
Respected Sir,
I am a resident of ST Bed layout, Koramangala.
Around end of march I have got to know - "Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ordered its men across the city to remove concrete and tar choking the base of roadside trees."
I have seen myself this work being carried on in ST Bed Layout, Koramangala and Jayanagar etc areas. I really appreciated your action and proper order on this issue, and I heartfully want to thank you for this action.
But still I have a few concerns -
(1) Does this order of removing the concrete and tar only applicable to few areas like ST Bed, koramanagala and jayanagar etc?
(2) Does this order only apply to selected trees in above areas? Since I am a resident of ST Bed area, and I see many trees being given space to breathe, but lot of trees are still choked because of asphalted and tarred roads in ST Bed and koramangala area. Is that the work half done or any specific reason? Also, the new footpath work (rework) being done ignored the trees concern at many places in ST Bed. Please advise.
(3) Does this order not cover the new development work done on the roads and footpaths? I have seen the choking of trees happening while road widening is being done on Hosur Road in front of Forum-Mall and Star-Baazar, the tree bases were covered with tar, thus leaving them for slow death.
I hope, you will understand my issue on the same and do the needful.
I am hopeful to get a response on this concern from BBMP Office.
.....
.....
I am being optimistic to get some response, lets see.
Deepak
Requested RTI for same, got the reply - attached
I have requested an RTI request as well -
3) Details of the information required:
As per BBMP order to remove concrete and tar choking the base of roadside trees-
(a) Please advise the number of trees for which this order being issued.
(b) Please advise the status of work, percentage completion, and timeline for the same.
(c) What is the guideline about the same for the new road widening, asphalting and tarring?
And I have got the reply also, which I have attached here, Prajagalu's help me to understand as it is in Kannada.
Deepak
Trees in front of Ganesha Temple got chopped fully of its leaves
2-3 days, I have observed all the tress in lane opposite to Ganesha Temple side in ST Bed, the whole lane hae all the trees got chopped of its green leaves. It must be by BESCOM, to make sure that the trees are not interfering with the wires going above, but why they are made totally leaves-free? All the trees in this road have been looking like just 10 feet stems or 10 feet poles standing, I am sure, they wil just die down in few weeks.
I quite didn't understand what was there in BESCOM people's mind the officer who had issue the order and one who supervised it. I am sure, order must not have contaiend the total clear of leaves.
Deepak
Tree trimming
Can any one give telephone number of tree officer who can help cutting a branch of a tree which is dangerously leaning and may fall in case of heavy wind or rains.?
The said tree is in 35 D cross in Jayanagar IV T block.
Shyam Sunder Mudbhatkal
First do the damage, and then start a project hiding the damage
BBMP is very good at it, they have done all the damage to the trees of bangalore, they have choked the roots of the trees everywhere new road are developed and footpath are constructued, and are still being done the same way, when there is already another parallel work going on to do the damage-repair.
I don't understand what BBMP wants to achieve by first damaging and then repairing it, even after it knows the damage and its reason and what-not-do-do to avoid damage.
Look at the TOI ad by BBMP here.
Deepak
A few pictures showing the leafless trees, slow death for trees?
Posting 2 pictures here showing the trees in front of Ganesha Temple lane in ST Bed area, where trees's leaves are chopped off, they haven't left any leaves, I am not sure how are these trees going to survive?
See in the above photo, you can atleast 3 trees in a row, what is being done to them?
In the above pic, you can see 3-4 trees again here, where are the leaves?
I don't understand the logic here, is this the way BBMP, BESCOM wants to take our bangalore and its greenery this way?
I mean, I know, if tree branches are coming in the way of electric wires, then only obstructing branches are cut, and not all the braches and leaves. It seems that here BESCOM officials have done the full cut once-and-for-all so that they don't have to do the same exercise again and again? Is that the logic/idea behind this? Ideally, they should periodically do keep checking and cutting only the obstructing branches, and not all the branches and leaves.
Can I complain about the same to BESCOM or any other body? So that same is not repeated again in any other area?
Deepak
no trees under electric cables..
I seriously subscribe to the thought that there should be no trees under electric lines..trees can be in the opposite lane and the canopy can come over that road to the other side..where there will be less intrusion to the electric cables..
About the trimming done above..it either kills the tree or bends its growth..which inturn is dangerous for other road users..as it can potentially fall anytime and cause damage!
Hence no trees under cables at all!
This is considering there is construction on the side of the footpath..but if there is no construction obstructing..the tree can branch out well..
Got 3 letters from BBMP, please help me understand the response
Apart from one letter I posted earlier, which was more of delegation to answer my questions, BBMP has sent 2 more letters which I am attaching in this post.
Please help me understand what exactly is written in these letters as they are in Kannada.
Letter-2 dated 30-06-2011
<a title="View Bbmp Tree RTI Reply - 2 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/59841385/Bbmp-Tree-RTI-Reply-2" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Bbmp Tree RTI Reply - 2</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/59841385/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1yycapprpyr0axq8krlh" data-auto-height="true" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" scrolling="no" id="doc_68495" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>
Letter-3 dated 05-07-2011
<a title="View Bbmp Tree Rti Reply - 3 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/59841432/Bbmp-Tree-Rti-Reply-3" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Bbmp Tree Rti Reply - 3</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/59841432/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-tyq53ly0oomqjg6h2zc" data-auto-height="true" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" scrolling="no" id="doc_26616" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>
Deepak
@dvsquare
Letter 2:
I hope 'abhiyantararu' translates to engineer. Karyapaalaka and kaaryanirvaahaka are two other terms here. Latter means 'executive'? - not sure though.
Originates from Kaaryapaalaka Engineer (Padmanabhanagar).
It informs you that the info you have requested relates to Asst Kaaryanirvahaka Engineer Padmanabhanagar/Banashankari Sub Office, and hence been forwarded to them.
Letter 3:
Originates from Kaaryapaalaka Engineer (BTM Layout) who is also the Public Information Officer.
Destined to Asst Kaaryapaalaka Engineer BTM/Koramangala Sub Office instructing them to get you the info you requested.
Hope this helps in increasing your confusion.
transferred to sub-division
Letter 2 states that they acknowledge your RTI. However since this is related to sub-division(padmanabhanagar/banashankari), they would not be in a position to provide the info.
They are trasferring the query to the sub-div
Letter 3 is for the sub-division asking them to reply to the RTI without any delay
Thanks Ravi and Srinidhi
Nothing fruitful yet from the replies.
I see at few places, they are constructing a rack kind of thing around the tree on the footpaths, which is right, but it feel very bad that all the new construction like new roads, road widening etc, they are forgetting this basic order. It is lessening the tree's life and also re-work will waste taxpayer's money.
Deepak
Another letter from BBMP
I am not sure whether this has some information or again going to delegate something or increase some confusion.
Letter dated 8-july-11
<a title="View Bbmp Tree Rti Reply - 4 on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/59999106/Bbmp-Tree-Rti-Reply-4" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Bbmp Tree Rti Reply - 4</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/59999106/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2moa4tmtwjm3ya1rafyc" data-auto-height="true" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" scrolling="no" id="doc_89514" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>
Deepak
forwarded to RPC layout BBMP office
They have now fwded the req to RPC layout BBMP office...
round and round it goes..
Thanks Srinidhi
Thanks Srinidhi for translating for me.
I am not sure, when and who will finally answer my question and what happened to other 2 questions?
Deepak
Final RTI reply
I have got the final RTI reply after all the levels of delegation possible.
Here is the letter dated 15-july-2011.
And from the answers they seem to be pretty much clear about -
(1) They just want to publicize their tree love nature, but don't want to take up any responsiblity.
(2) They don't want to make sure that all the new road widening and road construction will take care of tree choking issue.
(3) BBMP commisioner's order was of not much use apart from doing a little of damage control, that' all, but it seems that they are doing more damage than control.
Deepak
Another letter from BBMP
I have received another letter from BBMP, attaching it here a little late.
Letter dated 18-July-2011.
This again seems to be a delegation.
I don't think, I am able to do what I intended to when I started this RTI stuff.
I would wanted to bring in BBMP's statistics and other documents regarding this issue, but they seem to have this so called Green project just on newspaper advertizement but no project plan, no deadlines, and no accountability.
Deepak
2 more letters from BBMP
I have been getting various letters from BBMP, most of which are delegations, please help me understand what's in these 2 latest letters. I am wondering, for that small piece of information, how many times BBMP is going to spend that much money on speed-post.
Letter Dated 03-Aug-2011
Letter Dated 04-Aug-2011
Deepak
nothing specific..
The 3rd aug dated mail says the following:
1. No specific numbers of the trees for which the tar/concrete will be removed
2. Work done by JP Nagar ward in 4th phase
3.They dont have any guidelines that they are working with
The 4th Aug mail is about Koramangala(ward 151):
1. Approximately of the 2000 trees, 1000 of them have been identified for removal of concrete and tar
2. They plan to provide brick lining once the tar/concrete is removed
Thanks Srinidhi
I just hope that all the choked trees are given life again and all the new development works, footpath works, this basic thing should be take care by the local engineers there.
Deepak
Not my job.
Winner of the `Not my job competition' - taken at 10th A Main, Malleswaram.
15K for that job
I was talking to the contractor who was doing these 'pathi's' or enclosures and found that each of them costs 15,000 Rs..
Thats a lot of money for a small job..and think they will be paid in full for even the half job as above!!
15,000 ! That seems absurd !
15,000 ! That seems absurd ! It probably costs them less that Rs 500 to do ! I thought the Rs. 10.000 per metre they were spending on the 15th Cross Footpath was absurd but at least there they are digging, making a chanel for water and for wires and then putting granite ( hopefully ).
And then the BBMP says they have no money !
Ramesh
Final Letter from BBMP - RTI Reply on the Tree choke issue
I am attaching here the final letter from BBMP, this one from Assistant Executive Engineer, Jayanagar Sub Division, BBMP, Bangalore
http://www.scribd.com/doc...
Deepak
Perhaps this is the correct
Perhaps this is the correct way to provide watering area for trees. At 15000 a pop I'm sure they could use metal grills. This way the tree is protected and the space around it can be used for walking - unlike the concrete structures they make now - which hog the footpath.
BBMP engg has done all the mindless work
I have seen in the whole of koramangala or any other region for that matter, I know, after I first posted comment here and a few pics, BBMP has made more efforts to create this watering area around many (most) of the trees in Bangalore. But then again, as a mindless workers or engineers, they have just created 3x3 or some measurement area around the tree, not at all thinking about how the pedestrians will walk on that 5cm thin strip on one side. They could have made the area but could have just covered that area on one side with some small slab so as to make pedestrians walk without hurting themselves. Many a places (I have witnessed in koramangala), people walking on the road instead of broad footpaths because of all mindless work by BBMP.
BBMP is trying to tell us - what do you want - Footpath to walk or Trees conservation or Road widening? They can't give us a good reasonable of each, making sure that pedestrians can walk safe as well as maintaining ecospace.
Hope, wisdom prevails soon in BBMP staff.
Deepak
Praja RAAG in DC about trees
Read the article here
Would be really nice if we can contribute to the tree movement for Bangalore.
Good one Sri
Good one Sri
Double act of BBMP and draining city finances too
In todays TOI paper saw public notice of cutting trees at many places along West of Chord Road, Rajajinagar & some other places, more then 250 trees are will be chopped for madness of road widening.
few years back saw Sadhashivangar & Koramangala trees getting axed for sake of some road works, but has any thing happened???
Now BBMP is bankrupt in all way, so its trying to find way of doing business : Sell property,, Mortage property, cut the trees & we do not know whats happening in background in BBMP to create business??
Look at Garbage, Footpaths, Pedstrian Crossings, unfinished ROB's & RUB's, Underpasses to list many of BBMP mis-managments.
Still some of the city experts pushing hard for signal free corridors within city with elevated roads when BBMP is compelt BANKRUPT, that means BBMP will even sell the roads to some corporates to raise money, so that these Corporates / Companies like Reliance will have only access to it for Opticale cable, BESCCOM connections, BWSSB & others.
Afforestt - way to go
Don't miss this TED talk (as also this blog) by Eco-entrepreneur Shubhendu Sharma on methods that make it easy to plant maintenance-free, wild and biodiverse forests.
This can happen as much in urban areas, as in rural ones - certainly, the way to go.
more trees on your street, fewer health problems
More trees on your street means fewer health problems, says study. Having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual income of $10,000.
For the full text of the report in The Guardian, click here
Indeed unbeatable logic.