Key Facts
Thiruvananthapuram city is losing its abundant tree wealth due to human neglect, improper maintenance, and unscientific pruning. Extreme weather events like heavy rain and scorching heat have exacerbated the problem. Scores of legacy trees, including century-old ones along the Kowdiar-Museum avenue, have been lost. Public parks have also lost mature trees that served as community hubs.
Details of the Crisis
The southwest monsoon this year has taken an unusually high toll on the city's trees. Many top-heavy trees have fallen onto roads, including a decades-old tree in front of the Trivandrum Press Club. Falling branches have blocked roads during rush hour and damaged vehicles, prompting the Fire and Rescue Services to intervene.
Expert Opinions
Raveendran, former director of the Thiruvananthapuram zoo and a landscaper, says lack of timely pruning and pollarding renders large trees unstable during the rainy season when foliage becomes sodden and top-heavy. He advocates for vertical and horizontal clearing of avenue trees to extend their lifespan. He emphasizes that trees in public spaces should fall under a single statutory authority, as currently multiple departments—Forests, Public Works, Municipal Corporation—operate at cross-purposes. He also suggests that KSEB should resort to scientific pruning to prevent trees from touching powerlines.
Anitha Shanthi, coordinator of the Tree Walk Collective, urges authorities to prune trees with 'weight equilibrium in mind' and to urgently organize a scientific survey of trees focusing on health, stability, and contribution to climate and aesthetics. She notes that the Kerala Forest Research Institute and Agriculture department can provide expertise.
P.S. Manjula Devi, director of the Department of Museums and Zoos, says the government has contracted private individuals to maintain trees in botanical gardens, and zoo authorities supervise pruning ahead of the monsoon.
Impact on the City
The loss of trees affects carbon sequestration, water absorption, and natural cooling. Tree-lover groups are lobbying for protection, stressing the collective value of old trees to society.
What Readers Should Know
- Thiruvananthapuram's tree wealth is declining due to neglect and unscientific practices.
- Multiple departments handle tree maintenance, leading to coordination issues.
- Experts call for a single authority and scientific pruning.
- A comprehensive tree survey is urgently needed.
FAQ
Why are trees in Thiruvananthapuram dying?
Trees are dying due to improper maintenance, unscientific pruning, and extreme weather events like heavy rain and heat.
What do experts recommend to save the trees?
Experts recommend a single statutory authority for tree maintenance, scientific pruning, and a comprehensive survey of tree health.
Which departments are currently responsible for tree maintenance?
Multiple departments including Forests, Public Works, Municipal Corporation, and KSEB handle tree maintenance, often leading to coordination issues.
Source: www.thehindu.com