Kolkata: In a bid to ensure proper illumination of the streets during Durga Puja, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) parks department has started trimming of large trees across the city. The exercise is being conducted near the pandals that draw revellers in large numbers. According to a KMC parks department official, the trimming exercise is being carried out at Rashbehari Avenue, Gariahat Road, Jodhpur Park, Southern Avenue, Raja Subodh Mullick Road, NSC Bose Road (Tollygunge), MG Road (Tollygunge), DH Road, Bidhan Sarani, Dum Dum Road and College Street among other places.The drive would end before Mahalaya, the official said.
The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is also planning to trim the large canopies of trees in the run up to puja so that the street lights appear brighter and the dark stretches in Salt Lake are illuminated.
Several stretches across the township plunge into darkness after sunset due to the dense canopies of large trees lining up the footpath and boulevards. Locals said many residents feel unsafe to walk on these stretches after sundown.
“Tree trimming machines are being given to the borough offices covering Salt Lake,” said BMC MMiC (environment), Rahima Bibi Mondal. The civic authorities were also conducting surveys to assess the condition of large trees. Several tall trees have been found to be leaning dangerously. Civic officials said the faulty streetlights will be replaced if required.