31 dead trees in eight sectors of Chandigarh

Sandeep Rana

Chandigarh, July 14

Be cautious while taking shelter or parking your vehicle under a tree as 31 dead ones exist in eight sectors of the city alone.

As part of its ongoing survey, the local municipal corporation has covered eight sectors under its jurisdiction and identified 31 dead and dried up trees. The trees exit in parks, outside houses, roadside and other public areas. The survey excludes trees within the boundary of various premises, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the administration.

“We have completed our survey across eight sectors. Appropriate action will be taken after permission from the competent authority in seven days,” stated MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra.

Besides, the civic body has removed three dead trees (one each in Ram Darbar; Bapu Dham Colony, Sector 26; and Mani Majra), for which the permission was received.

After the MC’s survey, the Forest Department will conduct a separate inspection of the dead trees before giving its final nod to axe these.

Residents have been accusing the UT Administration of following a tardy process for removal of trees. Sometimes, it takes months before the nod comes through.

Some of the species included in the survey were peepal, kanak champa, eucalyptus, neem, mulberry, chukrasia, tun, pilkhan, etc.

“The survey is primarily being conducted to identify trees that may damage life and property, have heavy termite infestation, are tilted towards road and building, have hollow trunks, have roots exposed due to soil erosion, etc,” said an official.

The survey was ordered after a 16-year-old student was killed and 19 others, including an attendant, were injured after part of a tree fell at Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, during the recess time on July 8.