Bengaluru: Heavy rain and strong winds over the past month have caused significant damage to the city’s green cover, with 949 trees and 2,066 tree branches falling across Bengaluru between April 29 and May 29, according to data released by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
While civic authorities have managed to clear most of the fallen trees from roads and public spaces, residents continue to report the presence of tree debris and broken branches in several parts of the city. The incidents have highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in responding to weather-related damage during the monsoon season.
West Bengaluru records highest damage
Among the city’s administrative zones, Bengaluru West City Corporation limits recorded the highest number of tree-related incidents during the period.
According to the GBA, the area witnessed the fall of 330 trees and 919 branches due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Officials stated that most of the damaged trees and branches have been cleared to ensure public safety and restore normal traffic movement.
The West Corporation has been undertaking large-scale operations to remove obstructions from roads and footpaths, while transportation of felled trees from affected locations is continuing.
Cleanup efforts continue
Following the widespread damage, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao directed officials to expedite the removal of fallen trees, branches and debris from roadsides and pedestrian pathways.
Authorities said teams were deployed across affected areas to cut and clear damaged trees on-site to minimise risks to motorists and pedestrians. Despite these efforts, residents in several localities have reported that debris remains visible along roads and public spaces.
The ongoing cleanup operation aims to ensure safer movement across the city as Bengaluru continues to experience intermittent rainfall and gusty weather conditions.
Residents raise concerns over response
To facilitate public reporting of fallen trees and branches, the civic body had circulated contact numbers of forest department officials and control rooms.
However, several residents have complained that calls to the designated numbers often go unanswered, making it difficult to report hazardous situations promptly.
Citizens have urged authorities to improve response mechanisms and ensure that helplines remain accessible during emergencies, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and storms.
Authorities urge public to report incidents
The GBA has appealed to residents to continue reporting fallen trees and branches that pose risks to public safety.
Citizens who notice fallen trees on roads, footpaths or in public places have been asked to contact the civic helpline 1533, the West Corporation control room or designated forest department officials.
Officials said public cooperation is essential for the timely identification and clearance of hazardous locations, especially as weather forecasts indicate the possibility of continued rainfall in the coming weeks.
The large number of fallen trees and branches recorded over the past month underscores the impact of severe weather on Bengaluru’s urban landscape and highlights the need for effective maintenance and emergency response systems during the monsoon season.