Many residents have demanded cutting down of invasive species of trees that weaken the structural stability of houses in residential areas. The Chennai District Green Committee headed by Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran on Thursday rejected many applications from residents for cutting down of trees.
Chennai Corporation officials said they were rejecting the applications for cutting down of trees because they were determined to protect the green cover of the city. “When we find if there are cracks in the house, we will consider the application for cutting down trees,” said an official.
At the meeting, the committee advised residents to construct a reinforced concrete wall of four feet depth to prevent damage to houses, instead of cutting trees. As a large number of residents have started demanding permission for cutting down of trees in the city, the committee has planned to consider applications only for houses that have developed cracks, assessing the complaints about structural damages caused to houses because of certain invasive species of trees planted along the roads.
The District Forest Officer convened the meeting on Thursday and invited residents to join the discussion and make a decision about felling of trees. Many residents expressed their displeasure, as they were denied permission to cut trees. Instead of cutting trees, the committee advised to pruning of trees.
Ward 104 councillor T. V. Shemmozhi said over 15 trees were removed in the past few years. “Residents have requested the committee to at least permit cutting of invasive species of trees near houses damaged by roots,” he said.
K. P. Subramaniam, former professor of urban engineering, Anna University, said that the issue calls for multi pronged strategies to balance the structural instability with the environment protection. “Evolving policies, community participation, legal support, safeguarding the structural stability, and the ecological approach are some of the actions. As a first step, unveil an urban greening policy, and lay down biodiversity rules and regulations. Make an inventory of the locations, where the invasive trees or plants threaten the stability of buildings at ward level, map and monitor them. Installing concrete barriers around the foundation and construction of retaining walls are a few bio-engineering solutions. Removal and replacement of invasive trees may be undertaken in consultation with ecologists. Preventive urban design to maintain a minimum distance between trees and building foundations may be added in the TN Combined Development Regulations and Building Rules, 2019,” he said.
Published – August 22, 2025 01:08 am IST
