Dear All
This is a sad day for us today. This morning when we got up, discovered that the most wonderful Sandal tree on the boundary of our home (227, RMV Extn., First Main, Bengaluru) was brutally cut by some Sandal robbers/mafias and its remains were lying in our front garden. According to our neighbour (who had planted and taken care of the tree over the last 15 years), this happened around 2.00 am when he heard some sound of the electric saw and noticed something happenning in his garden from the first floor window. He screamed and ran down, however by the time he reached down the robbers escaped with a log of wood. He called the police who recorded the crime but expressed helplessness about such incidents. This was a beautiful tree over 10 m high and base dia of about 25 cm. We knew the economic importance of Sandal tree, however we realised its ecological importance while observing variety of birds visiting the tree for the last 10 years. Some of you may remember that I had shared many observations on these e-groups and most of them were from this one tree. Koels, Barbets, Mynas, Sunbirds, Tailor birds, Warblers, Squirrels were the regular visitors, whereas occassional visitors included Whiteeyes, Chloropsis, Crowpheasant and a variety of butterflies . Purplerumped Sunbirds nested in this tree once. Its beautiful evergreen foliage provided so much coolness to our homes. And now in one night that all is gone! All the birds have been orphaned. The tree was flowering and fruiting just now and It was sad to see the koels still visiting the fallen tree this morning in search of their regular food. We were very very sad, and at the same time very angry! Helpless!!! We know that this is a common affair in Bengaluru. We know that even high security zone of IISC is also not free from such vandalism. These robbers/mafias are so reckless that they attack/shoot the guards/owners trying to prevent such cutting. These are gangsters who have well organised market strategy and links. Why can't our police / intelligence agencies / forest department nab them. Perhaps it is too much to expect! The work of these robbers has become more efficient because of electric saws which are silent and finish the work in a few seconds. Why cannot these saws be banned? We ban guns, revolvers and other weapons which does not stop murders but at least there is some control and way to nab and punish the muderers. These electric saws have become the weapons of mass ecological destruction. Why can't government ban them and allow only restricted/licensed use? Can the Forest Department take such initiative? Last few years, we have been promoting the plantation of Sandal trees mainly for its ecological value and its fast growth and hardy character. We grow saplings on our terrace and distribute them as presents to our guests. Everyone likes these gifts and they keep giving us updates about the wonderful growh of those saplings. We enjoy this and shall keep doing it. Howeve we have started worrying about our own tree on the other side of the garden. It may not be still ready to catch the robbers attention. However we need to guard it carefully, for our birds and butterflies. Let us all try to bring in some governance to protect this wornderful tree, particularly in our urban environment. Let us also try to propagate this tree more and more, everywhere for its ecological importance and spiritual character. :Let its fragrance spread all around that way. That is our tribute to our wondeful companion who had given everyone so much happiness! Ulhas Prof. Ulhas Rane Director Envirodesigners Pvt. Ltd (Formerly 'The Designers') 'Brindavan', 227, Rajmahal Vilas Extn. II HIG Colony, First Main Road Bengaluru - 560 094 Phone: 080-23417283 Cell: 09448149236 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Web: www.envirodesigners.com
