BBMP to remove concrete areas around base of trees to prevent treefall

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will remove concrete, pavement stones, and cement blocks from around the base of the roadside trees. This is to prevent the loss of life and infrastructure from treefall that occurs during heavy winds or rains.

In an order passed on June 19, Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner, Forest Department, BBMP, said, “The bases of the trees planted during BBMP’s afforestation drive are blocked by concrete, tar, or pedestrian paths made of interlocked pavers. This has had an impact on the health, growth, and survival of the trees owing to insufficient air and water inflow. Thus, the roots of the trees do not grow deep into the ground leading to treefall.”

She said that as per the National Green Tribunal, the concrete/pavers/blocks installed in a one-metre radius of the trees should be removed with immediate effect. Further, a space of one metre around trees will be left free of cement and levelled with soil to facilitate the flow of water into the roots. On narrow roads, a minimum of one sq. metre area around the trees should be free of concrete or they should be left in the kutcha state.

Published - June 20, 2025 12:11 am IST