Minimum one meter Space should be there around the Tree

Order to remove concrete around trees

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: The Forest Department has issued an order that one meter of concrete, stone, and cement blocks placed around roadside trees in cities should be removed immediately.

The bases of trees on roads are being covered with concrete, asphalt, or interlocking pavers. This has adversely affected the healthy growth and survival of trees, and is affecting the nutrition of roots due to improper air and water inflow.

Roadside trees should be left with no space around them, and their roots should not go deep, so that they do not fall in the rain, wind, and cause loss of life and property. In addition, as per the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 21, 2025, at least one meter of space should be left around trees. Therefore, all types of constructions should be removed.

The order has directed that henceforth, the directions of the National Green Tribunal should be followed while greening all the cities in the state.

National Green Tribunal order as follows

 25(ii) Direct the Respondents to remove concretization around trees, so as to

ensure a minimum breathing space of 1 metres around trees, as held by the Order,

doted: 23.04.2013, in 0.A. No. 82/2013, Aditya N. Prasad Vs Union of India & Ors;

78. "(i) To prevent the damage of the root system of trees the area of 1 meter

should be left de-concretized around the base of the trees where ever possible

while construction of the pavements or roads to facilitate percolation of water to

the roots. The area should be leveled with earth/soil and grass may be planted

where ever it is possible. It is also suggested to discourage concretization/tiling of

central verge of the roads/pathways.

(i) On narrower roads and paths, as far as possible, unpaved or katcha effective

area of at least 1square meter be left around the trees.