Bengaluru: Following the initiatives in HSR Layout and Koramangala, the residents of Malleswaram have now taken up the cause of liberating their local trees from metal guards that have been causing more harm than good. Initially installed to protect young saplings, these guards have turned into impediments as the trees grow, often becoming makeshift dustbins and suffocating the maturing trees.
This community-driven effort to remove the metal guards is part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring Malleswaram’s natural beauty. A significant achievement in this ongoing campaign was marked on Thursday when the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) forest personnel removed concrete from around four trees in Ranganathapura, Malleswaram. “We noticed the cementing up to the tree trunk back in May during our zero-waste initiative at Kadu Malleswara and Nandi Teertha temples,” said a member of Malleswaram Social, a neighbourhood-connect group dedicated to improving the area. “We’ve been in continuous communication with the BBMP forest department, and today, the concrete was finally removed from all four trees.”
A principal architect at Studio Urbanpoetics and an active member of the group, emphasised the importance of such community efforts. “The removal of tree guards, the concrete, and the plogging activities represent a grassroots approach by citizens. It’s inspiring to witness this level of community engagement,” she stated. Another resident criticised the initial decision to cement around the trees. “It was poor planning by the authorities to concrete the area without leaving adequate space around the trees, effectively choking them. This leads to trees collapsing during heavy rains. Government agencies need to consider the entire process thoroughly, and that’s where the core problem lies,” he said. A key member of Malleswaram Social highlighted the prevalence of redundant tree guards. “In an 800-metre stretch, we identified about 25 trees with redundant guards. These guards often turn into dustbins, and their solid metal structures pierce the trees,” she explained. “We are currently in discussions with iCare Brigade to remove these guards, which are solid metal and require specialised equipment.”
This initiative is part of a larger trend of community-driven urban green space management in Bengaluru, showcasing the power of local residents in effecting environmental change. The concerted efforts of Malleswaram residents not only aim to protect the trees but also to foster a sense of community involvement and responsibility towards the environment.
