State bodies failing to check dangers of rotting trees in Colombo
The maintenance of trees in Colombo city needs a multi-sector approach with the use of latest equipment to detect roots and stem quality, an expert said.
Upul Subasinghe, professor in Forestry at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura said this week's tragic accident was a result of a lack of coordination among state bodies to detect the possible danger, although the huge tree was on a busy street in Colombo.
"Not only the Colombo Municipal Council, the Urban Development Authority, Road Development Authority and Environmental police too, need to team up and continuously monitor trees especially the decades-old ones in Kollupitiya, Cinnamon Gardens, Bauddhaloka Mawatha and Thunmulla. They need to conduct tree scans by purchasing relevant equipment. There are experts here whose services can be obtained to ensure the trees are preserved and or removal through gradual replacement," he said.
On Friday morning, a Deniyaya bound SLTB bus was crushed when the tree collapsed on Duplication Road. Five male passengers died, while 12 were admitted to the accident service.
"For older trees both visual observations and technical observation
is needed. There are equipment to check the stem as well. Previous images of the tree show the tree slanting towards the road. Though it might be looking for sunlight, it also causes an imbalance and can be uprooted during strong winds," he said.
The Colombo Municipal Council meanwhile found fault in cable and underground utility lines for damaging roots and making the tree weak from inside.
Director of CMC's Lands and Environmental Development Division, K.Ramesh said they are in the process of seeking expertise of arborists (professionals in tree care, pruning and diagnosing issues) on management of large trees.
However, the CMC does not have a database of trees planted
Colombo's majestic old trees that may need attention by authorities. decades ago. "Not only such a database will give a historical value for each tree, but those involved in tree management will be able to assess the age and treatment the trees need," said Prof. Subasinghe.
The Sunday Times learns that a worker shortage, lack of equipment and limited funds, too, have restricted regular checks on trees.
The banyan tree (nuga) entwined with a Roberosiya tree, also known as ‘Sri Lankan Sakura” that provided shade close to four decades came down causing pain and chaos to many families. According to the CMC, Colombo has more trees close to a century-old.
Pushpa Ramyani Soysa, National Hospital head nurse, said the victims had head and spinal injuries, and internal haemorrhaging.
Family and friends mourned the deaths of loved ones. Among the dead was Aruna Fernando, 30, an old boy of St. Benedict's College, Colombo.
"He was a prefect and a chorister at school, but most importantly a kind human being. The death is still a shock to all of us," a close friend said.