Title: Residents Fear for Safety as Trees in Asiad Village Topple Without Pruning or Cutting
In a recent turn of events, residents of Asiad Village in New Delhi have been left frightened and concerned for their safety after a 35-year-old man lost his life due to a tree falling on him. Another woman also suffered minor injuries in a similar incident on the same day. The Asiad Village Society has raised alarm, claiming that there are 37 trees in the colony that are in poor condition and pose a threat of falling at any time.
The tragic incident occurred when Kamlesh Kumar, a laborer, was walking along the road early in the morning. A tree suddenly toppled, resulting in severe injuries to his head and hand, leading to his unfortunate demise. Concurrently, a woman named Biba Sethi sustained minor injuries when a tree fell just steps away from her while she was heading towards her car later in the day. The terrifying ordeal left her shaken and in a daze for several minutes.
The residents of Asiad Village assert that there are several other trees in the area that pose a potential danger. Ravi Bhutani, Secretary of Asiad Village Society, has revealed that they have been consistently communicating with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the past three years, requesting pruning or cutting of the hazardous trees. The shocking demise of Kamlesh Kumar has instilled fear among the villagers, and they worry that more accidents may occur if immediate action is not taken.
Manju Lal, a concerned resident, expresses her apprehension for her safety and highlights previous instances where cars were damaged due to falling trees. She points out that another tree in the vicinity urgently requires pruning to prevent any similar mishaps.
However, an MCD official explains that they do not have the authority to prune trees and hence forward such requests to the forest department. Asiad Village is responsible for implementing horticulture work through the Delhi Parks and Garden Society. Nonetheless, MCD staff visited the area and determined that 30-40 trees require pruning, and they will be informing the forest department accordingly.
The forest department has an e-forest portal where individuals can upload pictures and details of trees, seeking permission for pruning or felling. The department strives to make a decision within two weeks, as per the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA). If any tree poses an immediate threat to life or property, it can be promptly felled while adhering to specific guidelines set forth by Section 8 of the DPTA.
The residents of Asiad Village are eagerly awaiting action, concerned about potential accidents and seeking accountability from the authorities. While the MCD and the forest department discuss responsibilities, it is crucial to address the pressing issue of tree maintenance to ensure the safety and well-being of the village’s inhabitants.
It is imperative that the concerns of the Asiad Village residents are met with a timely response and necessary measures are implemented promptly. Only through proactive efforts and collaboration between the different departments can the safety risks posed by the unstable trees be mitigated effectively. The lives and well-being of the villagers must be prioritized, and immediate action should be taken to avoid any further unfortunate incidents.
