Jeypore, Jan 6: Once symbols of greenery and balance, roadside trees in Odisha’s Jeypore have now become unlikely victims of commercial competition. In recent months, several trees across the town have been turned into advertising platforms, with iron nails, wires, and posters hammered into their trunks. Environmentalists warn that this practice is not only illegal but also threatens the survival of trees that have stood for decades, locals said.

Residents of Jeypore, a prominent town in Koraput district, are alarmed at the growing trend. With pollution levels rising steadily, the roadside trees were meant to provide shade, oxygen, and ecological balance. Instead, they are now being exploited by business establishments eager to outdo one another in publicity. “The indiscriminate use of nails and wires is causing the trees to dry up and die prematurely,” said Siddharth Patra, an environmentalist based in Jeypore.

Legal experts point out that such practices violate the Forest Conservation Act of 1970, which prohibits defacing or damaging trees by driving nails, tying wires, or pasting posters. “Despite repeated awareness campaigns, commercial establishments continue to flout the law. Strict enforcement and penalties are necessary to protect the city’s green cover,” said senior lawyer Bibhuti Ranjan Mahapatra.

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Officials from the Forest Department have also expressed concern. “We have observed widespread damage to roadside trees due to advertising practices. Legal action will be taken against violators under existing forest protection laws,” said Prasanna Mishra, SEFO, Jeypore Forest Division.

The issue has sparked debate among residents, who fear that Jeypore’s natural beauty—once renowned for its dense forests and scenic landscapes—may be lost to unchecked urbanisation and commercial rivalry. Environmentalists argue that protecting roadside trees is essential not only for aesthetics but also for combating rising pollution and maintaining ecological balance.

As Jeypore grapples with the dual pressures of urban growth and environmental degradation, the fate of its roadside trees has become a test case for sustainable development. Citizens and experts alike stress that immediate action is needed to preserve the town’s green heritage before it is irreversibly damaged.