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