With the monsoon season approaching, the Belagavi City Corporation has accelerated the removal and pruning of trees identified as hazardous across the city. Acting on the directions of Commissioner M. Karthik, the civic body has initiated precautionary measures well ahead of the heavy rains typically experienced in Belagavi each year.
According to officials, several species including gulmohar, raintree, and silver oak were found to be structurally weak during a joint survey conducted with the Forest Department. Excessive moisture absorption over the years has reportedly caused many of these trees to become hollow from within, weakening both their trunks and root systems.
Authorities noted that during periods of continuous rain and strong winds, such trees pose a serious risk of collapse. In recent years, multiple incidents of falling trees damaging vehicles and causing injuries and fatalities have been reported in different parts of the city.
To address the issue proactively, the Corporation’s Environment Department began identifying dangerous trees as early as March. So far, 187 trees have been classified as hazardous.
The civic body has also taken up clearance work based on last year’s pending list. Officials said nearly 50 trees have already undergone partial trimming and branch cutting to reduce risk and ensure smoother vehicular and pedestrian movement during the monsoon season.