Home / Environment / Walled City's Aging Trees Pose Danger: JMC Action Lags
Walled City's Aging Trees Pose Danger: JMC Action Lags
15 Jul
Summary
- 150-year-old banyan tree collapsed, highlighting tree maintenance issues.
- Roads built to tree trunks starve roots, violating protection guidelines.
- Contractorless pruning and risk assessment raise fears of further incidents.
A 150-year-old banyan tree's collapse in Chandpole on Sunday has highlighted the precarious state of aging trees within Jaipur's Walled City. This incident follows the recent fall of three other trees, aged between 50 and 150 years, even before the monsoon fully arrived. These events raise serious concerns about the Jaipur Municipal Corporation's (JMC) tree maintenance practices.
A critical factor identified in these collapses is the construction of roads and footpaths directly up to tree trunks, leaving no exposed soil for roots. Tree protection guidelines clearly prohibit covering root areas with concrete or asphalt, as this prevents essential air and water circulation. Adherence to norms requiring open soil rings and porous paving materials appears to be lacking in numerous Walled City locations.
Former officials and residents have voiced alarm over the lack of tree pruning and maintenance over the past year, noting the tree pruning contract expired long ago. Concerns are mounting that falling trees or branches could damage property and endanger lives, particularly with the monsoon season intensifying. The JMC has stated that intensified tree pruning and risk assessments are now in progress, with teams inspecting and addressing weak or hazardous trees.
