Precarious perched, but still awaiting the axe

GANGTOK, 20 June: The district-level meeting on “Disaster Management and Pre-Monsoon Preparedness” convened by the District Collectorate [East] on 26 May had “strictly” directed the Forest Department that, “trees that are located precariously and are likely to fall during the monsoon shall be identified and be removed at the earliest.”
Despite this direction, no such tree has been felled thus far, and a vehicle was severely damaged by a tree which fell on the NH31A near Indira Bye Pass on the intervening night of 17 & 18 June. Of course, it is entirely plausible that this was freak incident and the tree might not have featured in the list of “precariously perched”.

When follow up was done with the Forest Department, NT Bhutia, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden, said, “We are aware of the problem and we have already marked the trees which are to be cut down.”
“The Indira Bye Pass incident was an accident, which happened due to excess rainfall,” he said, adding that his Department was serious about the task, but could not act on the direction immediately because they are busy with the State Green Mission at present.
Understandably, given the many factors at play [unplanned urbanization for one], it is not easy to identify trees which could pose a threat; cutting them down, will after all reduce the already dwindling green cover of the capital. It is not an easy task.
The East District Administration was found more serious and sent a reminder on its earlier directions to the Divisional Forest Officer [T] today.
A letter, issued by the SDM [East] to the DFO [subject: Tilted trees along the highway and damage to life & property] reads, “…I am directed to further request you to kindly take necessary action immediately so that there is no danger to life & property of the commuter & traveler.”
The letter adds, “The action taken report may be submitted to this office in a week.”
The earlier directions of the DAC had also directed the Forest Department that resistance to remove such trees from the house owners shall be dealt with legally and in case of road blocks or damage to public property due to falling of trees, immediate deployment of men and machinery to cut and remove the tree is very essential. Necessary manpower and equipment for cutting and disposal of trees shall be kept on the alert round the clock.
In this regard, an official of the Forest Department informed that besides its employees, four casual labourers have been deputed to clear the roads in case of emergencies due to the tree fallings.
On the option that BRO be given permission to remove such trees, the PCCF argued that BRO personnel have little knowledge in this regard and giving such permission could lead to adverse affect to the environment.
Now, it is to be seen how long the Forest Department takes to bring down the precariously perched trees.