Grand old banyan tree at Kangathu Junction is in danger; authorities to cut it down

Kollam: The grand old banyan tree at Kangathu Mukku junction will now become a nostalgic memory. This giant banyan tree was a major landmark of the junction that offered a comforting shade to everyone. However, the authorities have decided to cut it down as the decades old tree has become weak and poses a danger to public safety.

The autorickshaw stand of the area and many makeshift shops functioned under the shade of the banyan tree. The tree that stands close to the national highway acted as an iconic symbol of the junction that could be recognised even by people from other places.

The people of the locality assumes that the banyan tree is more than 70 years old. Interestingly, the tree provided shelter to hundreds of species of birds; in fact, it became home to countless migratory birds during the seasons. The grand and extensive foliage of the tree offered cooling shade to the people. 

Meanwhile, the tree would be completely removed by today or tomorrow. The authorities note that the tree that has become weak poses a risk of danger to countless shops, autorickshaw stand, vehicles passing through the area as well as the people. City police commissioner stated that traffic would be regulated in the city limits from 8 am to 6 pm today and tomorrow as the tree is being cut down. 

Traffic regulations

• All vehicles going from Chinnakada to Ramankulangara should turn left at Collectorate junction towards Ammachiveedu while the vehicles coming from Ramankulangara should turn right at Vellayittambalam Junction to reach Ammachiveedu. 
• Heavy vehicles like trailers, tanker lorries and containers and other goods vehicles from Thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha side should turn at Mevaram Junction towards Ayathil and Kallumthazham. Meanwhile, the vehicles going from Alappuzha side should turn at Altharamoodu Junction towards Kallumthazham and Ayathil.