Bengaluru
The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palika) has informed the High Court that guidelines have been established under a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for clearing hazardous trees within its jurisdiction, and officials are adhering to these protocols. This disclosure came during the hearing of a petition filed by VL Nandish, where concerns were raised about a tree adjacent to a house posing a threat. The BBMP, represented by its lawyer, assured the court that they are following the SOP, and the dangerous tree mentioned in the petition has already been cleared in compliance with court orders. Responding to the court’s notice, initially, the corporation stated that permission to clear the tree would be granted only to the landowner, not to neighboring owners. However, the court emphasized that the owner of the plot where the tree is situated was not taking action, causing problems for neighbors. Consequently, the BBMP conducted a site inspection, cleared the tree, and recovered the associated costs from the plot owner. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted a dangerous tree in the adjacent plot, emphasizing the need for its removal. Despite requests to the plot owner, no action was taken, posing a potential threat to lives. The petitioner requested permission to clear the tree or an order directing the neighbor to do so. The court, having been informed of the SOP adherence and the tree clearance, disposed of the petition without expressing an opinion on the SOP’s validity.
