As the monsoon season approaches, residents of Hyderabad are increasingly alarmed by the fragile condition of city trees. Over the past month, sporadic showers have already caused numerous trees to topple during strong winds.
According to data from the Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management Wing, 700 trees were uprooted between May 1 and May 26 within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. A severe 30-minute storm on May 26 alone resulted in the fall of 65 trees in a single day.
Concerns peaked last week when a falling Gulmohar tree tragically killed a man and injured his wife. With over 15 casualties reported due to falling trees, environmentalists suspect that many incidents go unreported. The primary culprit, according to experts, is the widespread practice of concretising tree roots. Encasing roots in concrete restricts their ability to absorb water and nutrients, weakening the trees and making them more susceptible to falling. GHMC regulations stipulate that space should be left around tree roots to allow for proper absorption of water, air, and sunlight. However, the extensive use of tar and concrete for roads and footpaths renders the soil infertile, leading to shallow and weak roots.
Urban forest experts have long warned against the use of exotic avenue trees, which, despite their rapid growth, often develop shallow root systems that are prone to toppling in adverse weather. Experts advocate for the planting of indigenous trees such as Ficus, Lilac, Mast trees, Cassia fistula, Karanji, and Neem, which offer greater stability. In contrast, exotic species like Copperpod, Raintree, Spathodias, and Conocarpus, though faster growing, tend to fall more easily during strong winds.
Additional concerns stem from the practice of trimming trees unevenly to make way for electric wires, which creates imbalance and increases the likelihood of trees falling. Many trees are also entangled with electric wires, further contributing to their decline. These issues, while minor, cumulatively lead to the gradual demise of urban trees.
Acknowledging the problem, the GHMC has initiated a comprehensive tree inspection plan. An official from the urban biodiversity wing stated, “We have launched a plan to inspect and address the issues with urban trees. Additionally, we plan to remove 600 trees that are bent, dead, or infested with termites before the monsoon arrives.” It is imperative for municipal authorities to recognise that protecting trees is not merely a seasonal concern but a critical component of urban planning. Trees play a vital role in combating climate change, mitigating harsh weather conditions, and improving air quality. Conducting a tree census could be a crucial first step in safeguarding the city’s green cover.
Times View: Municipal authorities must realise that protecting trees is no longer a peripheral issue to be addressed only during the monsoon. Trees are central to the city’s planning as they are crucial in the fight against climate change. We will need them to face harsher summers and severe monsoons, and to survive in our increasingly polluted cities. Conducting a tree census can be the first step towards protecting our green cover.
