Until a week ago, Malayalis were yearning for a little tree shade over the roads that melt in the scorching summer. Today, the same people are the ones who are changing their routes due to the fear of tree branches that could break at any moment in the winds that are whipping up with the monsoon. While more than thirty people have died so far in various rain disasters since the onset of the monsoon, six of them were killed by trees. In addition to the loss of life, there are personal losses due to trees falling on vehicles and houses. The electricity department is facing losses due to tree branches falling on power lines and transformers. As of Saturday, the loss to KSEB due to this is Rs. 138 crore!

Considering the inconvenience and loss caused by traffic jams as well, it must be said that trees have played the most villainous role in the rainstorm this time! This time, unusually strong winds have arrived along with the monsoon, causing havoc. In addition to the branches of trees breaking off and falling on moving vehicles due to the gusting winds, large trees are also falling to the ground due to the continuous rain, which is soaking them thickly and loosening their grip on the unstable soil. The monsoon is one of our seasonal cycles. We know that it will start raining in June. Pruning branches and cutting down old and dangerous trees is something that can be done in advance, anticipating the possible accidents and disasters caused by trees during heavy rain and wind.

Local self-government bodies are responsible for cutting down trees that are leaning towards public roads before the rainy season. Residents' associations are also responsible for ensuring that the respective homeowners prune tree branches that are leaning and spreading above the houses. If they do not listen to the requests or take a negative stance, associations can seek help from local bodies. Anyone can inform the electricity board in a timely manner about trees that are standing in a manner that could fall on power lines. In this way, with individual attention, social attention from residents' associations, and attention from the government through local bodies, many such accidents can be avoided.

The message of the Forest Department and the slogan of nature lovers that "trees are a blessing" are true. Trees should be seen as a blessing and should be taken care of. However, if trees grow in a manner that can cause damage to human life and property, they should be cut down. It remains to be seen whether the loss of crores of rupees caused to the electricity board due to tree fall will now be passed on to the consumers as additional charges or something else. The owners themselves will have to bear the losses caused by trees falling on top of houses and walls. Firefighters and KSEB employees are working day and night to cut down branches and trees that are causing traffic disruptions on public roads and other places. An audit should be conducted in this regard before the rainy season and steps should be taken to ensure safety.