Mysuru: Green activists, who had urged authorities to ensure that Dasara illumination is fixed to trees without using nails, clamps or iron pegs, have begun removing the nails hammered into tree trunks and branches.

Since Tuesday, the activists removed nails from trees along Lalitha Mahal Road and took down LED serial lights fixed to the trees. The lights were later handed over to the authorities concerned.

A similar exercise was carried out along Krishnaraja Boulevard, where nails were removed from trees and the light strands were handed over to the authorities.

The activists said hammering nails into tree trunks can cause injuries and infections and weaken the trees over time. They also pointed out that illumination can disturb birds and insects that use trees as their shelter at night.

After removing the nails, the activists applied turmeric paste to the holes, saying it would help prevent infection. Activists Banu Prashanth, Shylajesha, Madhu, Leela Shivakumar, Banu Mohan, Paramesh, Ganesh Hatwar, Arun and others participated in the campaign.

MCC prunes weak branches

Meanwhile, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has begun pruning weak and dried branches of trees across the city as a safety measure.

This morning, MCC staff used a crane to prune weak and dried branches, including those projecting dangerously over Chamaraja Double Road.

The MCC will also take up pruning of weak and dry branches along the Jumboo Savari route, where thousands of people are expected to gather under trees to watch the Vijayadashami procession.