In preparation for the monsoon, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has begun pruning trees to prevent damage to power lines in case of heavy rain and gusty winds.
While this is a routine exercise, what stands out is the lack of coordination between Bescom and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Civic officials claim that Bescom has to take permission from them before pruning trees. However, Bescom officials pointed out that line clearance is their responsibility. “We have been empowered by the government to prune branches ahead of monsoon. We do not need to take any permission from the BBMP,” an official said.
Another outcome of the lack of coordination is that cut branches are dumped on pavements. The civic body takes a long time to clear them, which inconveniences pedestrians. “If we know where the pruning exercise is being carried out, we can depute extra personnel to that area to clear the cut branches,” a senior BBMP official said.
