In a move aimed at enhancing road safety, authorities in Mysuru have sought permission to clear 48 mature neem trees for the construction of a crucial flyover at the Devalapura junction. This intersection on the Mysuru Ring Road has been officially declared a 'black spot' by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) due to a alarming history of accidents.
Why This Junction is a 'Black Spot'
The push for the flyover stems from grim statistics. Officials confirmed that this specific 800-meter stretch near Devalapura cross junction witnessed seven fatal accidents and 15 non-fatal crashes in a three-year period leading up to 2024. This consistent record of severe accidents prompted the national ministry to tag the location as a high-risk zone, necessitating major infrastructural intervention to prevent further loss of life.
The Plan and the Environmental Cost
The proposed solution is the construction of a flyover to streamline traffic and eliminate conflict points at the ground level. However, this comes with an environmental trade-off. The project requires the clearing of 48 neem trees currently standing on the median of the Mysuru Ring Road. These trees span the entire 800-meter accident-prone section. The neem, a native species valued for its shade and medicinal properties, now stands in the path of a project prioritized for public safety.
Balancing Safety and Greenery
The application for tree clearance marks a critical step in the project's timeline. While the primary goal is unequivocally to save lives by remedying a known hazardous spot, the decision is likely to spark discussions on urban development and environmental preservation. The authorities will need to navigate the concerns regarding the loss of mature greenery in the city, potentially outlining compensatory afforestation plans.
The development underscores the challenging choices faced by growing cities like Mysuru. With the 'black spot' designation and the tragic tally of fatalities, the impetus for the flyover is strong. The progress of the permit and the subsequent project will be closely watched by citizens, environmentalists, and commuters alike, all hoping for a safer, yet still green, Mysuru.
