Residents seek probe into collapse of peepal tree

Residents and green activists have sought an inquiry into the sudden collapse of a decades-old peepal tree ( Ficus religiosa ) behind Muthumariamman temple at the Nemilichery Main Road–Ramaswamy Cross Street junction in Bharathipuram, Chromepet. The tree fell a few days ago despite there being no rain or strong winds at the time.

People for the People’s Movement general secretary and green activist Karthik Kannan suspects that the tree could have been damaged deliberately, but said the matter needed to be investigated. He said some people might have considered the tree obstructing their “view” of nearby places.

According to Kannan, when he visited the spot along with members of Pasumai Thayagam and other activists, they noticed traces of powders and chemicals near the tree’s roots. He said the tree had provided shade to residents and served as a habitat for birds.