#BBMP is keen to save existing trees in #Bengaluru. Formally launched #FreeTheTree initiative in Malleshwaram this morning by removing tree guards hampering growth of trees. In the coming days, such guards will be removed from hundreds of trees across the city. @theuglyindian pic.twitter.com/HTajgCOxTw — B.H.Anil Kumar,IAS (@BBMPCOMM) November 20, 2019

BREAKING NEWS! 17 TREES SET FREE!

17 trees in HSR Layout, Blr were rescued from the tree guards that were choking and throttling them. A joint effort of citizens and #BBMP Forest Dept. 1000s of trees are choking, let's #FreeTheTree !@BBMPCOMM @BBMPSWMSplComm @SwachSurvekshan pic.twitter.com/LHwbX8nZRn — theugly indian (@theuglyindian) November 16, 2019

Great News! 17 Trees on 100 Ft Rd Indiranagar set free today!

The #FreeTheTree campaign freed 17 trees being choked & strangled by metallic tree guards that they had overgrown. A joint initiative of #BBMP Forest Dept and citizens. SUPER!@BBMPCOMM @BBMPSWMSplComm @dipika_bajpai pic.twitter.com/9cpTtiznOE — theugly indian (@theuglyindian) November 18, 2019

By Zahid H Javali



It is a travesty of the times. Activists, and non-profit organisations team up with civic agencies to plant saplings and erect tree guards with much fanfare. Later, the sapling grows into a tree, and the metal barricade is still there, stifling its growth. In addition, the trees planted on footpaths touch the live wires above them, posing a danger to everyone around.

Thankfully, the BBMP seems to have realised this as Commissioner BH Anil Kumar, who appears to be making the right noises ever since he took over, began a citywide ‘Free The Tree’ campaign today in Malleswaram. Hundreds of tree guards will go under the cutter in the next few days. However, we urge him to ensure that this is made a mandatory exercise at every ward where one person is only in charge of ensuring that the trees are looked after. Importantly, they should chop the trees that had taken over the footpaths and the roads and also touching the live wires. In addition, a heavy penalty needs to be levied on those who park on footpaths meant for pedestrians. This has become rampant across the city.

Though the formal launch was today, the BBMP’s forest department and citizens, including those going by the monicker The Ugly Indians began the campaign a few days earlier. They freed 17 trees each in Indiranagar and HSR Layout. More will follow like it happened today in Malleswaram.

Resident Uday Chopda has some words of caution and constructive feedback about this issue. “They should not cement the pavement as trees don’t get water, nor does the ground water get re-charged,” he says. “Every tree should have at least one box of 2ft by 2ft for the water to seep in. They should sow saplings at places where trees are cut for development like Indiranagar 100 Ft Road. All shops and houses have either removed the tree in front of the property or they cut; please make it mandatory to grow in such areas.”

Dear BBMP, let #freethetree campaign not remain an adhoc measure, but a consistent effort by you.

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