Man pours acid on old tree as it blocked visibility of his shop

BENGALURU: A shop owner allegedly poured acid on a 100-year-old tree in order to make his shop visible to the people in Malleshwaram.

After the attempt was made to destroy the old tree, locals immediately brought it to the attention of environmental activist and tree doctor Vijay Nishant. Necessary treatment has been given for the tamarind tree now and locals have demanded action against those who committed the act.

Tree doctor Vijay Nishant said, “This tamarind tree is more or less a 100 years old. The shop owner allegedly poured acid on its roots to get rid of it as it blocked the view of his shop. The shop owner admitted that he committed the act. We have informed the BBMP and submitted evidence, and they sent a local officer for inspection. The shop owner showed arrogance and again poured acid on the whole thing when the BBMP officer came for the treatment”.

“We have the Palike’s support. The public should question such people and not allow them to destroy trees. Acid was poured at the tree roots probably last week, and locals brought my attention. I came immediately and gave primary treatment. The BBMP Forest wing also checked it, and we won’t let the culprits go without punishment. We got video evidence too. This is the third case I have seen this year”, Nishant said.

Dhanraj, a local, said, “I saw the shop owner pouring something on the tree earlier this month. They said they were pouring acid to get rid of some worms. When I questioned them seriously, he gave a very arrogant reply and used abusive language. As I have observed, they are pouring acid for 4-5 days every night. Then I immediately complained to the BBMP and Forest Department, but no action has been taken against them” .