When trees are pulled down for road widening works, it is not only replanting that takes time and co-ordination but maintaining the saplings too.
M. Devendran of Mettupalayam Road Protection Committee says the committee members, who are mainly residents on either side of Mettupalayam road, planted nearly 1,000 saplings two years ago and these were protected with tree guards. However, of the 994 tree guards that were placed, about 50 have been stolen. “Mainly those near GN Mill Pirivu have been removed,” he said.
In some cases, the public are able to identify those who have removed the tree guards. Recently, two steel tree guards that were placed on Mettupalayam Road were located in North Coimbatore.
“It is difficult to say who removes the guards and we cannot seek action against them. If the saplings are grown, it will not be possible to remove the guards. But, some saplings are yet to grow and the fencing around these are removed. The tree guards have been designed specially and sponsored by two companies. The public should not remove these guards,” he says.
It not only affects the saplings but discourages efforts to plant and maintain saplings, he added.
With more road widening works coming up in the city, trees are cut and saplings have to be planted. There should be a system to protect the saplings and the tree guards, he said.
