BENGALURU: On Wednesday morning, a tragic incident occurred in Jayanagar, South Bengaluru, when a large branch from a 45-year-old Gulmohar tree broke off and fell onto a moving autorickshaw. The accident resulted in the death of the driver, Kaleem Khan, and left two passengers with minor injuries.
Khan, a 60-year-old resident of Padarayanapura, suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to NIMHANS, where he succumbed after four hours of intensive treatment. The incident, which took place around 8:20 am on 19th Main Road in Pattabhirama Nagar, involved a 2.5-meter-wide branch crushing the autorickshaw’s top.
BLG Swamy, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) with BBMP, confirmed that the cause of the branch’s detachment is under investigation. Swamy announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for Khan’s family.
Tree falls have been increasingly common in Bengaluru, particularly during the monsoon. However, this incident, like a similar one on Central Street Road this past Sunday, occurred in dry weather. Swamy attributed the issue to the weakening of trees, especially exotic species like the Gulmohar, planted in the 1980s. Urban developments such as road and drain construction have damaged trees’ lateral roots, disrupting their health and stability.
AN Yellappa Reddy, a retired forest officer, emphasized the need for stringent urban tree management practices to prevent such incidents. He recommended identifying weakened trees and applying scientific treatments, including anti-fungal measures. Successful treatments have been implemented in areas like Raj Bhavan, Cubbon Park, and Lalbagh.
In response to the incident, the Jayanagar police have filed a negligence case against BBMP’s forest officials following a complaint from Khan’s son.
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