Optimism for 40 trees’ survival grows as nearly destroyed tree thrives after transplantation
Friday, 02 AUGUST 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The survival of a nearly destroyed tree after transplanting it in Haldwani has made the Nainital district administration highly optimistic about the survival of decades-old trees, which will be shifted for the widening of 13 intersections. The Haldwani city magistrate AP Bajpai told The Pioneer that the administration transplanted the tree to a piece of land in Halduchaud after it was almost destroyed near Nariman intersection in Kathgodam on June 29. Initially, the survival of this tree seemed unlikely but it has started flourishing with new leaves, filling the administration with hope, he said. He informed that the district administration, along with the Public Works Department (PWD), is taking significant steps to save 50 to 100 years old trees in Haldwani which are proposed to be felled for road widening across 13 intersections. This development threatened many large, old trees, including species like Peepal, Pakad and Neem, which have stood tall for decades. “About 300 trees were proposed to be cut down for the road widening project. However, when the district magistrate Vandana Singh visited the site, she decided to save trees that had been flourishing there for the past 50 to 100 years. We had permission to cut down all trees from the Forest department, but the DM directed us to save as many trees as possible. Since all 300 trees could not be saved, the DM directed to identify highly valuable trees like Neem, Banyan, Peepal and Pakad, among others, for transplanting them to new locations as these provide shade and shelter to various creatures. A total of 40 trees have been identified for relocation and this effort has already shown positive outcome,” Bajpai said. He also informed that the district administration has hired an expert agency to carry out this translocation and shifting process. “This agency has a notable track record of successfully relocating trees in different states. They will only receive full payment if over 80% of the relocated trees survive, ensuring accountability and commitment. The agency will also monitor the trees’ growth for a year post-transplantation. The process for each tree involves several months of careful procedures, including pruning and antifungal treatments. The total cost for relocating the 40 trees is estimated to be over Rs one crore,” the city magistrate said. He also claimed that this is the first time that such scientific and elaborate measures are being adopted for tree translocation in Uttarakhand.
