Jaipur: The collapse of a 150-year-old banyan tree in Chandpole Sunday has turned the spotlight on the condition of ageing trees in the Walled City. Even before the monsoon has fully set in, three trees estimated to be between 50 and 150 years old have fallen, raising concerns over the Jaipur Municipal Corporation’s (JMC) tree maintenance and pruning.A common factor in all three incidents was that roads or footpaths had been built right up to the tree trunks, leaving no exposed soil around the roots. Tree protection guidelines prohibit covering the soil around tree trunks with concrete, asphalt or tiles, as this prevents air and water from reaching the roots. They also require an open soil ring under the tree grating system to allow rainwater to reach the roots, protect the natural root system and surrounding topsoil during construction, and use porous paving material around trees. However, these norms appear to have been ignored at several locations in the Walled City.Former councillor Mohammed Zakariya said, “There was no tree pruning or maintenance over the past year. Earlier, the municipal board maintained parks, distributed saplings before the monsoon, and arranged food and water for birds and animals during summer.”“Many trees in the Walled City are in poor condition and could fall during heavy rain or strong winds,” he added.Residents have also flagged a nearly dried tree near the JVVNL office at Hida Ki Mori in Ramganj Bazaar, claiming repeated complaints have not led to any action.Nehru Bazaar Traders’ Association president Atul Ahuja said the trees have not been maintained for almost a year. “With the monsoon arriving, we fear a falling tree or even a large branch could damage shops with weak roofs or injure people,” he said.Former councillor Arvind Methi said, “The tree pruning contract expired long ago. It has neither been renewed nor has a fresh tender been issued. A weak tree near the girls’ school in Kishanpole could become dangerous during strong winds.”Responding to the concerns, JMC deputy commissioner (gardens) Neelam Meena said, “JMC has intensified tree pruning and risk assessment across the city. Teams are inspecting old, diseased and weak trees, carrying out pruning, providing support where needed and removing hazardous trees after technical assessment. Emergency teams are also on standby during adverse weather.”
