<p>We need to feature a 100 year old (perhaps), 60 feet Giant peepul tree which is now under threat of being cut down. This is in the ALWARPET area of Chennai.The owners of apartments at Bhamini Terrace, in Bhimanna Garden Road, have been so far taking care of the welfare of this tree at the boundary of the apartment and the neighbouring plot. There is increased threat with the change of ownership of the neighbouring property that the tree will be cut down, because the plot is under "Development", that means a building will come up soon.</p><div> </div><div>The fact that the tree is on the boundary by itself should act as a protection to the tree. This tree has invited flocks of herons a few years back for their nesting and breeding . And it can continue to be so in the future as well. The tree provides ample oxygen and shade from sunlight for all the residents in the neighbourhood.</div><div> </div><div>We in Chennai are living in a city with the least green cover for any city in India. That's a startling indictment on the state of affairs prevailing here. The new Specialty hospital( what was earlier conceived as the Tamil Nadu Assembly building) was built with the loss of thousands of trees in an otherwise stark surrounding near Triplicane. We should fight against the cutting of trees in Chennai and instead focus on how we can contribute to the environment by designing buildings and layout s allowing the present inventory of trees to survive.</div><div> </div><div>Cutting of grand old trees and especially peepul trees should be banned. And any cutting down should be on the basis of any deterioration in the health of the tree itself , but not for "development " purposes. Unfortuanately in Tamil Nadu there are no laws regulating the cutting of trees.</div><div> </div><div>A few photographs capturing the tree in all its glory ( but bereft of the leaves that it has shed recently, being the season) and majesty can be seen. We would invite all, especially those living in Chennai to come and witness the bounty. We need to petition the Corporation and the Government of Tamil Nadu to dissuade the cutting of the tree and signing this petition will help towards generating a goodwill for the continued existence of the tree.</div><p> </p>
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