KOLKATA: Cyclone Remal’s fierce winds wreaked havoc on Kolkata’s green cover, leaving behind a trail of destruction as it uprooted approximately 375 full-grown trees across the city.
The loss of these trees not only represents a significant blow to Kolkata’s environmental landscape but also underscores the vulnerability of urban green spaces to extreme weather events. According to officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) parks department, the extent of tree loss is expected to increase as civic personnel continue to assess the damage across the city’s 144 wards. The aftermath of Cyclone Remal has laid bare the susceptibility of Kolkata’s tree population to cyclonic winds and nor’westers, exacerbating concerns about the city’s diminishing green cover.
Experts have identified several contributing factors to the substantial tree loss witnessed during cyclonic events in recent years. These include the depletion of the water table, concretisation of tree bases on pavements, unscientific pruning practices, and improper selection of avenue trees. The cumulative impact of these factors has rendered Kolkata’s trees more susceptible to damage and uprooting during severe weather conditions.
The worst-affected areas of Kolkata include regions in the south and southeast, encompassing Sarat Bose Road, Ballygunge, Dhakuria, Jodhpur Park, and Golf Green, among others. Additionally, central Kolkata experienced tree fall incidents in neighbourhoods such as Park Circus, Camac Street, and Theatre Road. While fewer trees were lost in north and northeast Kolkata, reports of tree damage emerged from various localities, including Sinthee Road, Sovabazar Street, and Vivekananda Road.
The KMC parks department swiftly mobilised tree cutter gangs stationed across 16 boroughs to address the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. Despite facing challenges such as continuous rain and waterlogging in certain areas, municipal workers diligently worked to remove fallen trees and branches, mitigating further damage to public infrastructure and ensuring public safety. The aftermath of Cyclone Remal serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of proactive measures to safeguard urban green spaces against the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change. As Kolkata grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, efforts to reinforce tree management practices and enhance resilience to extreme weather events remain paramount for the city’s environmental sustainability and public well-being.
