Dead trees standing tall in vital locations of the city are posing threat to life and property but civic authorities prefer to blissfully ignore the hazard. Dead trees of over 35-foot tall could be found near the slums dotting Jharkhand Nagar near Domuhani area of Sonari.

The trees are near the Domuhani stretch, which is serviced by Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee, and witnesses a large number of visitors during the picnic season that extends up to mid-February.

“Several dead trees fell during the thunderstorm last year but unfortunately no action was taken to uproot the trees. Fortunately, none of the trees fell on any of the houses otherwise there could have been loss of life and property. We always live in fear during strong winds,” said Khemraj Bag, a resident of Jharkhand Nagar in Sonari.

An over 30-foot-tall tree stands on the side of Marine Drive near River Pump House which is serviced by Jusco.

“We had parked our vehicle along the road last week and there was a creeking sound and a few branches fell under the impact of strong winds in the afternoon. We immediately moved our vehicles. It stands so dangerously. Authorities must uproot the trees as it can fall any moment even in mild breeze causing injuries to people as the stretch sees quite a heavy traffic,” said Ajay Vishwakarma, a resident of Manbodh Mohalla in Sonari who uses the Marine Drive regularly.

Several such dead trees can be found adjacent the Dimna-Mango Road, the approach road to MGM Medical College and Hospital and RVS Academy. This falls under Mango Notified Area Committee.

“It is dangerous as such trees can fall during thunderstorms that occur frequently during the Kal Baisakhi season, which is just a few months from now. Such trees put life of commuters at risk,” said Smita Agarwal, a student of RVS Academy and a resident of Dimna-Road Mango.

Kal Baisakhi — a violent thunderstorm which occurs mostly during March-April-May in eastern and north eastern states every year — often uproots dead or dying trees causing damage to properties.

Tata Steel Utility Arm, Jusco spokesperson Sukanya Das, expressed ignorance of any such plan immediately to uproot the trees.

“I don’t know of any immediate plans to uproot such dead trees. However, I will speak to the officials concerned and inform you if we have such plans,” said Das.

Jamshedpur divisional forest officer Abhishek Kumar washed his hands off the issue.

“We are responsible for uprooting of trees only in forest areas and not in non-forest areas falling under municipal areas. If they seek permission on uprooting the trees citing valid reasons we will allow them,” said Abhishek Kumar.

Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) special officer Krishna Kumar, however, assured to look into the matter and conduct a survey in their areas and direct Jusco to uproot the trees.

“We will conduct a survey of such trees and ask Jusco to uproot the trees for public safety,” said Krishna Kumar.