Carmel tragedy: One-member panel begins probe

Chandigarh, July 19

A one-member inquiry committee headed by Justice Jitendra Chauhan (retd) has started investigation into the July 8 Carmel Convent School tragedy in which a schoolgirl lost her life and 19 others, including a woman bus attendant, suffered injuries after part of a tree fell on them. The bus attendant is currently undergoing treatment at the PGIMER.

Following the incident, the UT Administration had constituted a one-member committee to ascertain the reasons for the mishap and fix responsibility, besides suggesting remedial measures to be taken.

Today, a research team from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, visited Chandigarh and interacted with Justice Chauhan. The retired judge along with the team later visited the school and interacted with the management and teachers.

Further, for scientific management of trees, the team has decided to study issues related to plant pathology, entomology and will have ultrasonic study to find out the extent of hollowness in any standing tree.

The committee requested the general public to give their suggestions in this regard for preservation of trees so as to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Suggestions can be given in person to Justice Chauhan (retd) at his official address — CHB, Ist Floor, B-Block, Sector 9, Chandigarh, after taking appointment on contact number 0172-2741142 or can be sent via email inquirycomccs@gmail.com. — TNS

Scientific management

• A team from Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, will study issues related to plant pathology, entomology
• The team will conduct ultrasonic study to find out the extent of hollowness in any standing tree

Felling of 72 trees begins

Teams of the UT Administration have started removing dead and dry trees from city schools. The admn has identified 72 trees in 204 schools.

2 more fall, car damaged

Two trees fell in Chandigarh on Tuesday. A car was damaged after a tree branch fell on it at the Sectors 24/25/37/38 junction. The flow of traffic was briefly affected as the branch blocked the road. In another incident, a tree fell in Sector 22, but no damage or injuries were reported. TNS