Activists say restrictive metal mesh cages pose danger to roadside trees in Tiruchi, Kumbakonam

A Thanneer volunteer removing the metal grill enmeshed with a trees roots in Tiruchi.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Civic activists in Tiruchi and Kumbakonam have urged the authorities to remove the metal mesh guards around roadside trees as they can adversely affect the plants’ growth.

“Metal mesh cages were installed around saplings to protect them from stray cattle as part of plantation and greening drives. However, they are harmful for fully grown trees and need to be removed as they restrict their growth. Over a period of time, these cages become filled with litter,” civic activist K.C. Neelamegam told The Hindu on Thursday.

Mr. Neelamegam, secretary of Thanneer, a voluntary organisation, said that a significant number of trees planted in Tiruchi’s public spaces have outgrown their metal cages.

Thanneer volunteers are removing the metal guards from roadside trees in Ponmalaipatti, Senthanneerpuram, and Tiruverumbur. They apply a mixture of red soil and turmeric to the damaged tree parts to help them heal.

“A metal cage can restrict the growth of the tree trunk, and affect the flow of water and oxygen to the root system. Eventually such trees can pose a safety risk to passersby as they could fall during strong winds or rain,” the activist said.

In Kumbakonam, Thiruvadikudil Swamigal, founder, Jothimalai Iraipani Thirukkootam, pointed out that trees planted outside a university’s campus walls in the town were vulnerable as they were damaged by metal cages installed at the time of planting the saplings.

“Though it is heartening to see the growth of small saplings into shade-giving trees over the years, we are concerned by the metal grills that are tightly bound to the tree trunks, and are cutting into the bark. We have requested the civic authorities to remove these grills, but so far action has not been taken,” he said.