Delhi witnessed rains last month resulting in trees falling in tandem and resulting in consequent loss of property. At the same time, it was witness to the plantation drive by PWD, DDA and MCD with RWAs as copartners. This activity was publicized and overshadowed loss of trees. Fallen trees can broadly be categorised as green and dry. While green trees can be saved the dry trees cannot. Green trees do not get the desired attention and perish for want of advice from Forest Department to the stakeholders. Second category is dry category. It would be interesting to know how they get dried up: Most of termite species feed on dead wood but there are a few species that feed on live plants and trees. These termites weaken the limbs of the trees, which can cause heavy branches to break during storms. Eventually, the termite damage is too extensive for the tree to survive and they fall. One can increase the longevity by checking the damage. For this one must drill holes into hollowed out areas in the tree, like infested branches and at the base, and inject the foam. The foam expands to fill the hollow area and kills termites on contact. This type of treatment is not in vogue. Chemical spray is other option but ignored at large. There is still another category deemed to be ‘dangerous’ which can be both green and dry. Now and then details of such trees is sent to Forest Department for approval and action by stakeholders but that hardly materialize due to girth limitation or overriding stipulation of planting additional trees in lieu. Ironically, we are dwindling between conservation and plantation with falling trees ransacking all. Use of technology can provide longevity to trees and save environment as well.
