On the morning of Sunday, 25 June 2023, @3 o’clock, my wife and I were suddenly awakened by a loud thud. It took us a few minutes to realise that some large object had fallen in our compound. Shaking with doubt, some fear and anxiety, I came out into our backyard and found that a very big Gulmohar tree standing outside our boundary wall had collapsed into our house. While falling it took with it a fully grown, flower laden Champa tree standing inside our compound as well as an electric pole in the street. Fortunately, the pole didn’t fall in our home but instead it broke from the middle. The big electric cables snapped and were strewn inside our house.
Still shaking, I called up the fire brigade, DHBVN, DLF security and informed them of the mishap. Fortunately, only a portion of the wall got damaged and the building was saved. Also due to very early morning hour, no one was around and therefore, a possible catastrophe was avoided.
Cutting the story short, it took @12 hours for the electricity to be restored and 2 days for the tree to be removed after the same being cut into small pieces.
No mention need be made about the attitude of the civic authorities and DLF as we all are used to the general apathy of their personnel in such situations. Fortunately, we have good neighbours and a vibrant RWA which came forward to support and stand with us during the ordeal.
The lesson I have learnt from the experience is that we must get aware of the health of the large trees around our respective homes. If any tree needs support, the concerned Authorities must be approached to provide necessary help. In fact, I intend to write to DLF and request for an audit of the health of old large trees standing in close proximity to any resident’s abode.
I must thank my friend Rahul Chandola, President of H Block RWA, for his timely inputs in resolving the situation.
by Tej Kohli (F 8/7, DLF 1, 9582 250 500)
