The otherwise smooth stretch of road near Circuit House in Bistupur, Jamshedpur, is posing an unusual threat to life and limb, courtesy an old, partially uprooted tree.

The 20-metre-tall deciduous tree of genus Peltophorum (tropical flowering plants) has been precariously bending over the artery, which links CH Area to Sonari, since heavy rain loosened its degenerating roots last week. That the tree has twisted on the threshold of Circuit House, which hosts ministers and top bureaucrats, further enhances the gravity of the situation.

Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Suresh Sonthalia, who regularly commutes on this CH Area road, said an accident was waiting to happen and the authorities concerned must axe the tree without delay to avoid the same.

"I noticed the overhead danger a few days ago while going towards Ashiana Garden (flats in Sonari). The tree is old and can no longer weather heavy rain. Branches may fall on commuters anytime. Worse, the whole trunk, which is bending over, may come crashing. There is risk of a fatal mishap. This is an important road and there is no room for complacency," Sonthalia said.

The SCCI president pointed out that another tree, uprooted near Chamber Bhavan in Bistupur, had also not been removed and creating inconvenience for commuters.

Bistupur businessman and Sonari resident Divesh Makhani, who frequents the CH Area road, echoed the threat perception. "One more bout of heavy train and the trunk will come crashing. It is big enough to bury both man and vehicle. I do not see a reason behind letting the peril hang over our heads," said Makhani.

East Singhbhum nazarat deputy commissioner David Balihar, who looks after Circuit House, conceded the danger. "The area is maintained by Jusco, but it will need the forest department's permission to axe the tree. In view of the threat to VIPs, I will write to Jusco to do the needful," Balihar said.

Jamshedpur DFO Saba Alam Ansari said it wasn't uncommon for weather-beaten trees to get uprooted in heavy rain. "They should be removed. However, we do not have funds or manpower for the same. Jusco can get it removed," he added.

Jusco spokesperson Rajesh Rajan promised to buffer the peril with approval from forest authorities. "We will seek an approval at the earliest," he said.

Do you know of any old tree posing threat to commuters? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com