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This is my diary....what I make sense of, around me. You'll find short prose on contemporary topics that interest me. What can you expect - Best adjectives? …. hmm occasionally, tossed around flowery verbs ?…. Nope, haiku-like super-brevity? … I try to. Thanks for dropping by & hope to see you again

March 7, 2010

Golden Blooms Amidst Concrete: The Vanishing Splendor of Bangalore's 'Tree of Gold'

Bangalore Quuens road
Bangalore's flowering plant
Tree of gold in bloom  in Bengaluru


The Spectacular Yellow Blossoms: A Morning Drive through Bangalore's Streets


Imagine cruising along Queens Road or gliding over the Windsor Manor Bridge towards Mekhri Circle on a serene morning. Nowadays, you simply can't overlook the enchanting spectacle unfolding around you. There's a mesmerizing explosion of bright yellow, as the 'Tree of Gold', known in the realms of botany as 'Tabebuia argentea', originally hailing from the lush landscapes of South America, puts on a breathtaking show. These trees, almost naked of leaves – perhaps shed during the winter's embrace – are now adorned with vibrant yellow blossoms that stand out in a spectacular fashion. Each morning, these golden blooms present a sight so spectacular, it feels like a dream. I've managed to capture a few glimpses with my mobile camera while navigating these roads, but let me tell you, the actual scene is infinitely more majestic.

The flowering season of these trees, I've learned, is quite brief, adding to their allure. It's a natural extravaganza that one should endeavor not to miss, especially considering the ongoing challenges faced by our city's green warriors. In the name of progress – road widening, and metro constructions – we are slowly losing not just our rich green tapestry but also these crowning jewels of nature.

Urban Development vs. Natural Beauty: The Struggle of Bangalore's Greenery


A response to a recent RTI filing revealed a startling fact: since 2007, the BBMP has cut down 2,123 trees for road widening and the Metro Project, and these are just the official numbers. S Sivasailam, MD of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, indicated that the elevated section of the metro, spanning 32 kilometers, would result in the felling of around 2,000 trees, while the underground section of 9 kilometers might consume about 1,100 trees.

Amidst these developments, a poignant question lingers – how many of these mesmerizing flowering trees have we lost in this pursuit? It's a thought that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has witnessed the golden bloom of these trees, a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and the preservation of nature's masterpieces.

1 comment:

Nona said...

Nice pictures and a valid point

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