Mysore/Mysuru: Mayor Shivakumar, who has to set an example for other Corporators, by the virtue of being the first citizen of Mysuru, seems to be nonchalant towards the ongoing storm water drain works at his Ward in city.

Shivakumar represents Ward 47 (Kuvempunagar) in Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and the works on the construction of a storm water drain on Aniketana Road in the locality pose a threat to fully grown trees. The roots of the trees have been cut and a thick wall is being built after digging the earth. By cutting the roots beneath, the tree may die and fall anytime.

The contractor may be of the opinion that the tree may stand strong if the surface is covered with stones and plastered by cement. But, the cement plastered surface which prevents percolation of water deep inside, won’t do anything good for saving the life of a tree, instead it would suffocate the root which will rot.

In a urban set up, both storm water drains and trees are essential, but to keep them intact, all it needs is a scientific thinking by engineers, who supervise the works. With wind blowing at speed, the trees that turn weak due to cutting of roots may fall anytime, fear the locals.

As the road witnesses busy movement of vehicles, the possibilities of casualties also cannot be ignored.

Mayor Shivakumar should take stock of the situation before any untoward incidents occur, demand the public.