Heritage trees in city need to be protected: survey

While a number of such trees are located in educational institutes, their condition too is bad. With a parking lot in Sector 17, a 300-year-old banyan tree does not have enough space for its roots to expand.

The trunk of a peepal tree was severed in 1972 to make space for a gurdwara in Maloya.

One problem that plagues such trees is of residents, who engrave their names on the trunks and branches of trees. Such examples can be found at various places, including the Sukhna Lake.

Certain regulations have been recommended to protect the trees from possible problems, which include the installation of lightening conductors, the construction of an earthen platform among others. It has also been suggested to install signboards in English, Hindi or Punjabi near the trees, highlighting its history.

Parmod Sharma, co-ordinator, Yuvsatta said: 8220;The construction of more houses in the southern sectors should be checked. The green areas too, need to be maintained. The sites where trees exist should be made the centres of tourist attraction.8221;