The Chennai District Green Committee is set to take a decision on removing devil’s tree, an exotic tree species that reportedly causes damage to buildings, from the city streets.Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said: “The GCC will get expert opinion from the Forest Department and other subject matter experts, following which the Green Committee will take a decision accordingly.”Councillor Uma Anandan said residents in areas such as Kodambakkam had complained about the civic issues caused by devil’s tree, which grows to a height of 60 feet, and demanded the removal of such trees.Councillor S. Jeevan said the committee should consider the residents’ requests. “The growth of Neltuma juliflora has also increased in various parts of the city,” he said.Former professor of Urban Engineering at Anna University K.P. Subramanian said: “Devil’s trees or any tree near buildings may cause serious structural instability by weakening the foundation and leading to cracks in the walls, putting the lives of inhabitants at risk. It calls for a win-win situation for minimising the damage even while preserving ecological equilibrium without felling the trees. The remedies may include installing physical barriers underground to redirect roots away from foundations and walls, and regular pruning. Such hazardous trees in densely built areas may also be relocated, taking the practical situation into account.” Published - August 03, 2026 11:46 pm IST