Jaipur: A major accident was narrowly avoided in the Walled City Sunday after a more than 150-year-old banyan tree fell onto a road at Bhindo Ka Rasta in Chandpole. As it was Sunday, the area was less crowded than usual, sparing what could have been a serious tragedy. However, two two-wheelers were damaged, and a cyclist sustained minor injuries in the incident.The tree came crashing down at around 3.30 pm, completely blocking the road connecting Bhindo Ka Rasta with Indira Bazaar. Traffic was disrupted for some time, although movement through the other side of Indira Bazaar continued.Former Ward 69 councillor Mohammed Farid Qureshi said the banyan tree was over 150 years old and became weak with age. “Fortunately, it was Sunday, so the road was not as crowded as on a working day. The tree fell right in the middle of the road. Had this happened on a weekday, it could have resulted in a much bigger tragedy,” he said.“The fallen tree brought traffic on this stretch to a standstill. The municipal corporation is not paying adequate attention to surveying and maintaining trees. Several trees in the Walled City are leaning dangerously, yet no preventive action is being taken,” Qureshi added.According to local residents, the tree’s roots weakened over time. When it fell, it also uprooted a portion of the adjoining road. Residents further alleged that a bitumen road was laid very close to the tree, allegedly in violation of norms, which may have affected its roots. However, this was not officially confirmed.Deputy Commissioner (Garden) Neelam Meena said that her team started work immediately after receiving the information. “The road will be cleared at the earliest,” she said.
