Date:28/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112853830300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

Uprooted trees cleared off roads

Staff Reporter

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

Wind havoc: A tree that was uprooted at Rangapillai Street in Puducherry .

PUDUCHERRY: Several trees in various parts of Puducherry were uprooted by strong winds during the last two days. Following complaints from the public, officials of the Forest and the Public Works Departments started clearing the trees from the roads.

“We have removed 20 trees that had been uprooted in Aurobindo Street, Kamatchi Amman Koil Street, Mudaliarpet, Colas Nagar and Bahour,” Agriculture Officer Siva Shanmugam said.

Several trees in Lawspet, Rangapillai Street, S.V. Patel Salai, Bussy Street, near the Legislative Assembly and 100 Feet Road were damaged.

Almost all the trees that had been uprooted were between four and 20 years old. “The Public Works Department personnel are also involved in clearing the trees from the roads to facilitate vehicle movement. We are receiving more complaints from residents in several areas,” Mr. Shanmugam said.

On Wednesday alone, the department cleared 15 trees from the roads, he said. “Similarly, we removed two trees that fell on two huts in Elango Nagar, without damaging the houses,” he said.

Officials said that people should avoid standing under trees during heavy wind.

In case any tree in a locality showed signs of collapsing, the public could inform the department immediately.

“We have set up a control room at the department. People can call 2204808,” Mr. Shanmugam said.