OVERGROWN TREES PUT MOTORISTS AT RISK

A split-second delay in spotting a red light or a missed direction board can be the difference between a safe journey and a devastating accident. In several parts of Dwarka, this danger has become a daily reality as overgrown tree branches continue to hide traffic signals, road sign boards and directional signage, turning busy intersections into potential accident spots. What should have been a routine horticultural maintenance exercise has now evolved into a serious public safety issue, with residents warning that it is only a matter of time before a major mishap occurs.

While trees are indispensable for improving air quality, reducing heat and preserving the city's green cover, their unchecked growth without periodic pruning is creating new hazards on the roads. Across several locations in Dwarka, thick canopies have spread over traffic infrastructure, significantly reducing visibility for motorists, especially during peak hours, at night and during the monsoon when foliage becomes denser.

Residents say that despite repeated complaints, no systematic pruning has been carried out in many areas. Branches have grown so extensively that vital traffic infrastructure is no longer visible until motorists are dangerously close to intersections, leaving little time to slow down, stop or change lanes safely

The hidden signals and signboards pose multiple risks. Drivers unfamiliar with the area often miss important turns and make sudden lane changes or abrupt U-turns, increasing the possibility of side collisions. At busy intersections, motorists who fail to notice a concealed traffic signal may inadvertently jump a red light, putting themselves as well as pedestrians, cyclists and other commuters at risk. The problem becomes even more severe during heavy rain, fog or at dusk, when visibility is already compromised.

School buses, ambulances, delivery vehicles and public transport drivers, who rely heavily on clear road signage for safe navigation, are also affected. Emergency vehicles responding to critical situations may lose valuable seconds if direction boards remain obscured. Two-wheeler riders, who are among the most vulnerable road users, face an even greater danger as they have little protection in the event of sudden braking or collisions caused by hidden traffic signals.

Traffic experts point out that traffic signs and signals are installed at carefully calculated heights and distances so that drivers can react well in advance. When trees block these visual cues, the entire traffic management system is compromised, defeating the very purpose of road engineering and increasing the likelihood of crashes.

Dwarkaites stress that pruning does not mean indiscriminate cutting of trees. Instead, it is a scientific process aimed at maintaining healthy trees while ensuring that essential public infrastructure remains visible. They have urged the concerned civic agencies to undertake an immediate survey of all major roads and intersections, remove branches obstructing traffic infrastructure and establish a regular pruning schedule before the situation leads to a preventable tragedy.

One of the worst affected stretches is near Omaxe Complex in Sector-19, where thick tree canopies have completely engulfed a prominent direction sign board. Motorists unfamiliar with the area often miss the sign, leading to sudden lane changes and abrupt braking.

A similar situation exists at the Sector-22 and Sector-23 intersection, where branches have spread across the traffic signal. During daylight hours, the red signal is partially hidden from approaching vehicles, making it difficult for drivers to notice the signal from a safe distance. Residents fear that the obstruction could lead to serious accidents, particularly during peak traffic hours.

The problem is equally severe near the Sector-21 Metro Station, where an important direction board is obscured by dense foliage. Visitors and commuters travelling to nearby sectors frequently miss turns because the signage becomes visible only at the last moment. Near Rotary Chowk in Sector-22, another major direction board has almost disappeared behind overgrown branches. The junction witnesses heavy movement of private vehicles, buses and school transport every day, making clear visibility of road signs crucial for safe traffic movement. Road safety experts point out that traffic signals, warning boards and directional signs are designed to be visible from a considerable distance so that drivers have adequate time to react. When these are hidden behind vegetation, motorists often make sudden decisions, increasing the chances of collisions and traffic congestion. Residents allege that while plantation drives receive considerable attention every monsoon, regular maintenance of mature trees is often ignored. They emphasise that pruning is not about cutting trees indiscriminately but about maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and public safety. Many commuters have urged the concerned civic agencies, including the horticulture department, to conduct a comprehensive survey of roads where branches obstruct traffic infrastructure and carry out scientific pruning before the monsoon growth worsens the situation further.

Few residents voice their concern -

"The traffic signal at the Sector-22 and Sector-23 intersection is almost invisible because of the overgrown branches. Last week, I had to brake suddenly after noticing the red light at the last moment. The vehicle behind me almost rammed into my car. One day this could lead to a serious accident if the branches are not trimmed immediately."

               Rajesh Mittal, Sector-22

 "The direction board outside Omaxe Complex in Sector-19 is completely hidden. Whenever my relatives visit from Gurgaon, they miss the entrance and keep driving ahead before calling me for directions. A simple pruning exercise can save commuters from so much confusion."

           Meena Gupta, Sector-19

 

"I use the Sector-21 Metro Station every day. The direction board is covered by dense foliage, and I often see cab drivers suddenly stopping or changing lanes after realizing they have crossed the turn. It creates chaos during peak office hours." 

Vikas Malhotra, Sector-21

"Rotary Chowk is one of Dwarka's busiest intersections. The signboard is hidden behind tree branches and people unfamiliar with the area slow down abruptly while searching for directions. Such sudden braking increases the chances of rear-end collisions."

           Anjali Verma, Sector-22 

"I drive a school van every morning. The hidden traffic signal at the Sector-22 and 23 crossing worries me every day because children are on board. Drivers should never have to search for a traffic light while approaching a busy junction."              

 Sanjay Arora

"As a two-wheeler rider, I am more vulnerable than car drivers. When the signal is concealed by branches, there is hardly any time to react. I have witnessed several near misses because motorists realize the red light is too late."

Neha Bansal

"I frequently receive guests, who are visiting Dwarka for the first time. They often complain that important direction boards are hidden by trees and they end up taking unnecessary U-turns or entering the wrong lane. The city deserves better road maintenance."

Ashok Mehra, Sector-19

"The city has done well in planting trees, but maintenance has been completely neglected. Trees should provide shade, not hide traffic signals and road signs. Scientific pruning is essential to protect both the greenery and the lives of commuters." 

Poonam Sethi, Sector-22