The Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) appealed to the forest department to stop planting Syzigium cumini trees by the roadside.
Venugopal Dharmalingam, honorary director of NDC, told The Hindu that saplings were planted along the roads between Kotagiri and Kookalthorai.
“There is continuous heavy and inconsiderate traffic on the road due to the presence of tea gardens on both sides or the rapidly developing new buildings and resorts. There is hardly any space for pedestrians who have been guarding the road for its peace. Some time ago, the Kotagiri Police Inspector and local volunteers surveyed the road and recommended six speed breakers along the road to ensure safe traffic.” little chance of survival due to cattle and gaurs regularly grazing new trees.
“Even if they survive, they will be a major obstacle to future road expansion or power lines that carry them. The naga trees could grow up to fifty feet,” he said.
The forest department should stop further planting of these saplings along roadsides and relocate the planted saplings to suitable locations, he added.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 20:49 IST
