Sir,

One can observe plants growing in the gaps between the wall slabs laid on the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway. Large quantities of soil are poured to construct such elevated roads to bypass other roads, railway tracks, villages, etc.

One can say that the roots of trees hold the soil and control soil erosion. But will it hold good for trees growing in the soil below roads constructed for highways and flyovers?

Once peepal tree plants emerge from the gaps, they never stop growing, as their roots grow strongly beneath the surface.

This is with reference to plants growing on the side walls of the flyover built at the Ring Road-Hunsur Road junction in Hinkal.

Plants growing on walls are a common sight in many places, but the result is damaging. One can see damage to compound walls, buildings and roofs in many neglected places. However, there is a concern when such plants grow on a flyover.

One can see many plants emerging through the gaps in the side wall slabs of the flyover. These plants are of large trees like the peepal tree and others. These plants have already grown up to the branching stage.

As they emerge into the light, their roots start growing rapidly. They then loosen the soil, leading to cracks in the road laid or constructed over it. This may eventually lead to large holes in the road. The roots and branches may even damage the side walls.

After the damage occurs, the public may attribute it to poor quality of construction. Mysuru Development Authority/Mysuru City Corporation may have to take immediate steps to prevent such plants from growing in inappropriate places.

— T.S. Rohithkumar

Mysuru                        

3.7.2026