Mysuru, May 22 -- Waking up to the silent suffocation of Mysuru city's roadside trees, the Forest Department has finally issued a directive to reverse the damage caused by indiscriminate concrete, asphalt, stone slabs and tile laying at tree bases.

Acting on the warning, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has launched a clean-up drive, ripping up the materials choking the trees and creating water absorption pits to restore rainwater percolation.

For years, road and footpath development projects have smothered tree roots under layers of asphalt and interlocking tiles, ignoring ecological impact. Experts say many trees now collapse under mild winds and rain because their roots are unable to grow deep or access water.

Following these alarm...