The pollution level of big cities has already touched the dangerous levels and the environmentalists are shouting at the top of their voices, advising everyone to plant more trees so that these cities at least remain livable.
However, an advertisement agency has poisoned almost two dozen trees in Bengaluru just for increasing the visibility of their hoardings. The most shocking fact is that it has happened despite the warning given by experts that by 2025, Bengaluru won’t be suitable for humans to live due to its increasing pollution.
The name of the agency is Nile Enterprises and as per reports, it has also cut down almost a dozen trees which were planted on the outer ring road of Bengaluru in order to increase the visibility of its jewellery ad hoarding and iPhone advertisement.
The ad agency has also been accused of adding acid to the roots of 17 trees which eventually resulted in the killing of 14 of them.
Vijay Nishanth was the first person to observe this inhuman act. He is a tree doctor as well as an environmentalist and an animal rights activist. He told Indiatimes that he saw trees drying up suddenly, which was strange and he became suspicious about it. When he did an inspection, it was clear that it was done intentionally.
As per Vijay, “Seventeen trees were poisoned with acid and the branches of 13 were cut. The acid was poured on the roots.”
Vijay also said that three trees could be revitalized by giving proper treatment; acid needed to be removed and then a balm of beeswax and orange oil had to be applied. He also said that the hoardings because of which all this had been done were illegal and didn’t have the needed permissions.
On Friday, these hoardings were pulled down by Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) after Vijay reported the incident. What’s more, BBMP is also planning to take an action against those who are behind the illegal act.
Appu Rao AG, deputy conservator of forests, said,
“We have removed two hoardings — a jewellery advertisement in Marathahalli and telecom company ad in Mahadevapura. We will take strict action against the companies. They have not only chopped off the branches but also poisoned the trees. This is an act of cruelty.”
Vijay who has been working for tree conservation for a long time now feels that those who are responsible should be strictly dealt with and this type of behavior can be reduced only if there is accountability and control on unplanned development. He said, “Without strict punishment and alert, vigilant public, we cannot save the trees of this city.”
We completely agree with Vijay and demand strict punishment for those who are responsible for it. Do share your views in this connection in the comments section below.
All Images Are Sourced From Indiatimes