Tree guards missing, plants on dividers at risk in city

With the arrival of rainy season, the municipal corporation (MC) has started its plantation drive on dividers and roadsides to increase green cover in the city, but majority of these plants are not safe in the absence of tree guards.

The MC is hopeful to plant 10,000 shrubs and saplings till Sunday in various areas, including Old Sabzi Mandi Road, Dana Mandi, Hambran Road, Dugri, Chandigarh Road, Focal Point and other areas. Fichus, Chakrasia, Chandni, Hibiscus, Kanner, Bougainvillea and plants of other varieties are being planted.

Residents are also appreciating the MC’s step as these plants were earlier lying useless in the stock. However, some of the new planted saplings are under the risk of getting damaged in absence of tree guards. Majority of the tree guards have got damaged or have gone missing from the dividers on various roads.

Environmental activist Jagjeet Singh Mann said, “It is an appreciable step by the MC to plant saplings on various dividers which will help increase the green cover. But, I have noticed that the tree guards are missing. Without tree guards these small plants are at risk.”

He said, “The plants of Kanner have been planted on the dividers on Chandigarh Road and can grow well during these days. The MC should also plant saplings in areas where there is no green cover.”

Horticulture and landscaping officer Surinder Kumar said, “We will plant 10,000 shrubs and saplings till Sunday. The drive was started last week and more saplings will be planted in the days to come in different as per available stock.”

He said they have selected 12 places across the city for plantation and they would also install tree guards where there was risk to plants.