Sir,

My friend Reginald Platel (67), a resident of Roopanagar, tragically passed away last Tuesday when a tree fell on him along the busy Kukkarahalli Lake road. The incident occurred as he was riding his scooter on the road that passes by ‘Chandravana’, the Government Ayurveda Farm, near the Government Press.

The old Peepal tree, which was hollow and termite-infested, had a branch protruding onto the road, which had not been pruned by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

Be that as it may, what surprised me is that despite the busy traffic on the road, no one riding a two-wheeler or driving a car stopped to assist my friend after the accident. It was only two college students who came to his aid, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain as no other passersby stopped to help the injured.

Eventually, the college students called a friend, who helped transport my unconscious friend to the nearby KVC Hospital. Despite the efforts of the hospital staff, he did not respond to treatment and passed away.

The lack of assistance from fellow Mysureans and the negligence of the MCC in maintaining the tree’s condition are troubling aspects of this tragedy. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of civic responsibility and prompt action in such emergencies.

– C.K. Aiyanna, Mysuru, 8.2.2024

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