At 2000 hrs on 25 Dec a big Neem tree fell in front of C-9 taking with it an electric pole as well. Initially on visiting the site it just looked like a normal tree which fell on the road and blocked it. So as a security guy and I locked the C- 1 gate to prevent traffic movement, got the lights switched off and called my hour in need person Bhavreen, who like always responded and was there on the spot to help.
Standing in the dark and analysing the situation we heard a crackling sound which grew louder and suddenly the side tree also gave way and came down just a foot away from where we were standing.
This was not the end a third tree also came down due to the pressure of over head wires, which resulted in the light poles also tilting.
Frantic calls were made to BSES and horticulture department. The BSES dept under Mr Yadav (JE BSES) responded immediately and took action to keep the poles standing by using stairs and rods so that they all don’t fall on the ground damaging the cars around.
The nearby residents also got together and started removing the cars parked in the lane.
Shammi Chaddha Bhai (the man of the hour) also sent his crane but when analysed it was not feasible to use it as it would have affected the other poles. So the road opening abhiyan was left for the next day and a barricade was put at C-15 with a guard on duty so that nobody enters the area. Next morning the BSES team and the horticulture department were in action setting new poles and clearing the road by cutting the fallen trees. It took approx 6 hours and the road was ultimately opened.
