Trees on sides of roads where concrete was being laid will get a new lease of life as steps will be taken to ensure proper percolation of water around tree trunks by constructing sink pits.
The Public Works Department has taken up the work on laying concrete on 6.5 km stretch of road in the city, connecting major circles. Sources told The Hindu that some trees had been located on the footpath and a few on the road. “Interlocking tiles are being laid on the footpath along the concrete road. Enough space will be left around the tree trunks for water percolation. Soak pits will be constructed around the tree trunks on the roadsides,” the sources added.
“Concreting of Sayyaji Rao Road between K.R. Circle and Ayurvedic College Circle has been taken up, and hope it will be completed on schedule. There are about 18 trees on the stretch of Sayyaji Rao Road and we request they be allowed to remain and any road work be done around the trees,” said activist Vasanthkumar Mysoremath. It should be ensured that enough space is provided as sink pits for percolation of rainwater, he added.
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Unfortunately, the trees on Sayyaji Rao Road are being choked to death during the annual road maintenance works by spreading hot bitumen around their trunks.
“For example, trees in front of Cauvery Emporium have no rainwater sink pits and despite all kinds of attacks on them, they have somehow remained alive,” Mr. Mysoremath said. In addition, according to rules governing maintenance of footpaths/roadside trees, provision of a minimum of 2-ft circumference sink pits at the ground level must be provided for percolation of rainwater. This is not being followed in Mysuru roads barring a couple of places, he complained.