The Gulmohar tree not suited for narrow Indian roadside planting

The Gulmohar tree has many admirers everywhere.  The Karnataka Forest Department has planted them all over Bangalore and Mysore. This tree, a native of Madagascar is exotic and  not suited for planting as  ornamental trees in narrow streets of India.

The branches grow far and wide from the trunk and get entangled in electric wires. The base of the tree just above the ground is supported with huge lateral root structures  which not only occupy a lot of space, but also break open the  pavements around it. The brief efflorescence period is a feast to the eyes; beware, after a few months, the sword like fruit(ಕತ್ತಿ  ಕಯಿ) will swish like  the Democles Sword in the summer dust storm, and fall with a lot of force to strike on the  unwitting passers by.   This tree is suceptible to many viral, fungal, parasitic afflictions and come down with a thud without prior notice.  Instead of planting exotic tree varieties, which are more harmful in one way or the other, the Karnataka Forest Department would do well to identify indegenous shady  trees most suitable for planting in narrow city roads which need less space and do not pose danger to pedestrians and vehicular traffic.  The Neem, Honge, Ashoka  and the like may be considered as suitable for the purpose.