Heavy rain uproots trees in twin cities, exposes civic unpreparedness

Hubballi: Heavy rainfall in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad on Wednesday led to at least 25 trees being uprooted, while branches fell at several locations, exposing the Hubballi‑Dharwad Municipal Corporation’s (HDMC) lack of preparedness ahead of the monsoon. Despite the recurring problem every year, preventive measures were not taken in advance, officials admitted.

Several tree branches posed a serious risk of falling on electric poles and roads, underscoring the need for prior identification and pruning. Similar incidents have been reported every year during the rainy season, often resulting in damage and near‑misses.

During the monsoon rains last June, as many as 46 trees and 187 branches were uprooted across Hubballi‑Dharwad, triggering anxiety among residents. Pre‑monsoon showers in April and May this year have already caused damage. In Hubballi, trees were uprooted in Keshwapur, Akshay Colony and most parts of HDMC Zone‑5. In Dharwad, a large tree fell on an electricity pole in Mehaboob Nagar amid heavy wind and rain. However, both the municipal corporation and Hescom staff were accused of negligence.

Many roadside branches continue to pose a threat as pruning has not been carried out in several key and densely populated areas, including DC Office Road, Jayanagar and Subhas Road in Dharwad, and Old CAR Ground, Lamington Road and Station Road in Hubballi.

Environmentalist Shankar Kumbi of Dharwad told TOI that he had repeatedly urged the forest department and HDMC to begin pre‑monsoon pruning. “I have requested officials to survey old and dangerous trees and take timely action. Trees falling on Hescom lines result in power outages, affecting residents. Action must be taken before the monsoon intensifies,” he said.

Echoing the concern, Hubballi resident Prashant Koti said the risk of old trees collapsing increases during thunderstorms and high winds. “There are many ageing trees around Koppikar Road and Lamington Road. Authorities must act now to assess their condition,” he said.

HDMC executive engineer Mohammed Feroz said weak and vulnerable trees were being removed, and branches interfering with Hescom lines were being cut. “We are attending to public complaints immediately. NOCs are issued after inspection. So far, over 25 trees have been uprooted in the twin cities,” he said.