Dry & uncut tree branches leave Bengaluru residents worried

Bengaluru: With pre-monsoon thunderstorms raging, residents of Indiranagar are increasingly concerned about dry tree branches hanging precariously along roadside avenues, posing serious risks to pedestrians, motorists and nearby homes.While the locality is admired for its green canopy and tree-lined streets, residents say BBMP's forest wing has failed to properly prune the trees. As a result, dry and aging branches have begun falling on roads, and in some cases, even on live electric wires. Recently on CMH Road, a large tree came crashing down, damaging a vehicle.Fearing more such incidents during monsoon, residents are urging the civic body to take action. Despite filing several complaints, they say it has failed to respond.Residents of Indiranagar II Stage, in particular, have expressed concern over the recent falling of trees and branches in their area. They point out that many of the trees are over 40 years old and grown nearly 50ft tall, with unchecked branches posing a threat to pedestrians, nearby properties and electric lines."We've written countless letters to BBMP. Every time we have an association meeting, residents hand over representations to officials about dangerous branches," said Adithya R, secretary of Indiranagar Owners, Traders, Residential Welfare Association. "Despite that, many dry branches remain. They look dangerous and keep falling frequently."Dr Venkatesh T, a resident of Indiranagar, told TOI, "There is a huge tree in front of a yoga centre in Indiranagar II Stage. Its branches could fall at any point. I complained about it a month ago, but no one from BBMP has visited the site to assess or prune it."Vidhya Balakrishna, another resident, said she had to pay BBMP workers herself after they delayed clearing cut branches. "They pruned the tree but left all the branches and leaves in front of my house. After a week of waiting, I had to pay them to take the leaves away. Now there are more dangerous branches in my neighbourhood, and if they fall, there will be a lot of damage."G John Michael, another local, raised concerns about neglected trees in public parks and roadsides. "There's an old tree near my house whose branches have extended into our compound. The branches are so dry even a pigeon landing on them causes them to shake. If they fall, the damage could be serious."Responding to the complaints, Santosh Kumar MS, assistant conservator of forests, BBMP, told TOI: "We trim trees along arterial roads every year. Pruning in Indiranagar has already been done this year. Complaints from sub-arterial roads are handled as we receive them. However, we often face issues — some residents want pruning while others oppose it. Still, if anyone has concerns about dry branches, they can file a complaint and we'll respond. The service is free."