Sir,

This is with reference to the news item “Siddartha Traffic Police install reflectors” (SOM dated Mar. 15) for preventing accidents during night hours and enabling smooth traffic flow.

I was  shocked to see the photo of Policemen – the protectors of public property – posing with smiles while hammering nails to a tree and informing public that they are going to fix reflectors/ traffic warning signs to trees and electric poles across the city.

My question to all those in authority: Are they not aware that trees are also living things, feel pain, suffer from various diseases, tolerate various kinds of attacks (man made and natural), but still keep growing naturally for the good of environment, for giving life-saving oxygen for all living beings, give shelter for birds, bees, flora and fauna to flourish and beautify the surroundings? 

It is time for all of us to protest. If law protectors themselves are indulging in such unlawful acts, people will take advantage and fix their ad-materials on trees all over the city, without fear. 

I appeal to the City Police Commissioner to instruct all those who are indulging in such acts, to immediately remove the nails and plates from trees wherever they are fixed, direct all Police Stations to keep a watch on such acts to ensure safety of our trees, in these days of climate change and global warming.

Since public cannot take law into their hands, this appeal is for urgent action by the authorities to protect our trees.

—Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, Environmentalist & Social Activist, Tilak Nagar, 18.3.2024

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