The hoarding for iPhone 7, which was the second of the two hoardings on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road for which 27 trees were poisoned or hacked, has finally been brought down. The BBMP and the Horticulture Department took down the second hoarding on Sunday.
The two hoardings were illegally put up by Nail Enterprises Pvt Ltd, advertising for Bhima jewellery and iPhone 7, on the stretch of the Outer Ring Road located between Marathahalli and Chinnappannahalli. At least 17 trees were poisoned and the branches of another 10 were hacked to ensure visibility for the hoardings.
The BBMP had taken down the Bhima Jewellery ad on Friday, but had postponed bringing down the second hoarding as high-tension electric wires ran near the hoarding. That hoarding was was taken down on Sunday.
The murder of 27 trees came to light when tree conservationist Vijay Nishanth had noticed the wilted trees as he passed through the Outer Ring Road area on March 2. Nishanth immediately informed the BBMP officials, and as they started investigating the crime, the tree doctor started doing his job.
"We removed all the acid and have applied liquid bandage to the trees. Of the 17 poisoned trees, only three can be saved now. After seven days of care, leaves are growing on one tree," Nishanth had earlier told The News Minute.
The on-ground action came after investigations revealed that Nail Enterprises, which is based in Frazer Town, had put up the hoardings illegally.
After the second hoarding came down, Vijay thanked the BBMP and the Horticulture Department, saying, “IPhone hoarding down... We have done it.” He added that this should be done to all hoardings that affect trees in Bengaluru.
Read our earlier stories: Congratulations Bengaluru! Illegal hoarding for which trees were poisoned brought down