Vinod M Jain
With the onset of the monsoon season,the Bengaluru Traffic Police have initiated precautionary measures to prevent rain-related mishaps across the city.
Following last week’s untimely rain and strong winds, several large trees and branches collapsed on roads in different parts of Bengaluru, damaging public property and reportedly claiming lives.
In this backdrop,the Joint Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru Traffic Division,has written to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA),urging immediate identification and removal of dry, weak and dangerously tilted trees that may collapse at any moment.
According to the letter,heavy rains and gusty winds during the monsoon increase the risk of old trees and fragile branches falling onto roads, posing a serious threat to public safety,vehicular movement and property.
The police have requested authorities to direct concerned officials to immediately prune and remove hazardous branches and trees.
During inspections conducted by the traffic police,a total of 404 dangerous trees were identified across five municipal zones under the GBA limits.
Details of the identified trees and vulnerable branches have reportedly been attached along with the communication sent to civic authorities.
The Traffic Police have stressed the need for swift preventive action before rainfall intensity increases in the coming days,warning that delays could lead to road blockades,severe traffic congestion,property damage and loss of life.
The move by the Traffic Police Department has drawn public attention as incidents of uprooted trees disrupting traffic and causing accidents have become increasingly common in Bengaluru during the rainy season.
