In a strategic move to improve road safety and traffic flow across Bengaluru, the city’s traffic police department has formally requested the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to initiate a large-scale tree pruning operation. The recommendation focuses on 404 specific trees located along major arterial roads where overgrown foliage has begun to obstruct critical infrastructure.
Addressing Visual Obstructions on Major Corridors
According to departmental assessments, the untamed branches of these trees are currently blocking the line of sight for motorists and concealing vital traffic signals. Officials noted that several high-traffic corridors are particularly affected, leading to confusion at intersections and an increased risk of collisions. By trimming these branches, the police aim to ensure that commuters have an unobstructed view of signages and signal lights from a safe distance.
The traffic police identified these bottlenecks through a comprehensive survey of the city’s primary road network. While Bengaluru is celebrated for its lush green canopy, the department emphasized that public safety necessitates routine maintenance of urban greenery, especially when it interferes with the safe operation of vehicles.
Collaboration with the Forest Wing
The request has been directed specifically to the BBMP’s Garden City Forest (GBA) wing, which manages the city’s arboreal assets. The police have provided a detailed list of locations where the 404 trees are situated to facilitate a swift response. This list includes several high-density zones where traffic congestion is frequently exacerbated by slow-moving vehicles attempting to navigate poorly marked or hidden turns.
Balancing Ecology and Urban Safety
While the focus is on safety, officials clarified that the recommendation is strictly for “scientific pruning” rather than the removal of trees. This approach ensures that the ecological benefits of the trees—such as shade and air purification—are preserved while eliminating the hazards posed by low-hanging or protruding branches. The BBMP is expected to deploy mobile teams equipped with specialized machinery to carry out the task during off-peak hours to minimize further disruption to the city’s already strained traffic patterns.
Citizens and road safety advocates have largely welcomed the move, noting that poorly maintained greenery often masks directional signs, leaving out-of-town drivers and daily commuters alike in difficult positions during nighttime travel or heavy monsoon showers.
