Bengaluru: In the wake of yet another heartbreaking incident where a biker named Akshay lost his life after a tree branch fell on him during strong winds and rain, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has transferred DCF Swamy, the senior forest official responsible for tree management in the city.
The incident has stirred outrage among citizens, as Akshay—a young man and the sole breadwinner of his family—was fatally injured when a heavy branch collapsed onto him. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries after five days of treatment.
BBMP’s decision to transfer Swamy has been perceived by many as an attempt to quell the growing public backlash. However, critics argue that merely replacing officials will not address the underlying problem. The state government has given the Urban Development Department authority to appoint a new official. Chikkamagaluru DCF G.K. Sudarshan is expected to take over Swamy’s position.
Environmentalists and civic activists have long raised concerns over the kind of trees planted in the city. Most of Bengaluru’s trees are not native species but fast-growing hybrid varieties, often imported, with weak structures and shallow roots. These trees grow tall rapidly, developing thick canopies that become hazardous during storms. When they fall, their hollow and brittle insides reveal poor maintenance and planting choices.
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“This is a failure not just of one department or one official, but of a broken urban planning system,” said one activist. “The trees symbolize our own mindset—superficially strong, but weak from within.”
Citizens are now demanding a comprehensive audit of all old and overgrown trees, especially in densely populated areas. They are also calling for a clear policy on pruning, monitoring, and replacing fragile trees with stronger, indigenous varieties.
Akshay’s grieving family is inconsolable. Their cries are echoed by many other families who have lost loved ones due to similar negligence. “Don’t talk to us about God anymore,” Akshay’s mother wept. “My son had dreams, he had responsibilities. And now he’s gone because no one did their job.”
As videos and photos of the tragedy continue to circulate, Bengaluru’s residents are united in their demand: no more symbolic transfers—only real accountability and urgent action can prevent such avoidable deaths.
