A tree on St Louis Street near the Raj Nivas was uprooted in strong wind and rains that lashed Puducherry on Monday night.
Traffic was blocked on the stretch till about 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The tree, around 15 to 17 years old, was planted here as part of a Social Forestry urban plantation drive, according to G. Satyamurthy, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Forests and Wildlife Department.
He identified the tree as Kigelia pinnata (scientific name). As the tree was completely uprooted , it had to be removed, said Mr. Satyamurthy.
Had medicinal valueThe forest department officials inspected other trees and certified them healthy, he said. “The uprooted tree had ornamental and medicinal value. Its fruits were used to treat snake bites and rheumatism,” he said.
“The tree was planted about 20 years ago. We have to study the locality before planting another tree. The new tree should not disturb the surroundings. Hence, we will decide about the new one around October,” he added.
“Trees planted in urban areas often are close to roads and buildings and do not get enough space for the roots to spread out. As a result their base tends to become weak. The uprooted tree was such a one.”
“However, plenty of factors decide the life of a tree. After all, trees fall in forests as well. It is part of a tree’s life cycle,” said Rohit George, who works at the French Institute of Pondicherry.
He is closely associated with the India Biodiversity Portal, which collects and disseminates biodiversity information in the subcontinent.
