Tree transplantation raises concern in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The road widening project here, triggered by the relocation of the Chief Minister's office and the resultant surge in traffic, has come under public scrutiny and protests

A worry is that this would undercut the tree- transplantation efforts. The project involves the cutting of trees – but also the relocation of trees to accommodate the city's development, with a focus on preserving greenery.

The trees that have been relocated include 70 trees from East Point Colony to Beach Road, 27 trees from Polytechnic College on the highway expansion, and 37 trees from Anakapalli Y Junction to Sunkarimetta.

Additionally, 162 trees from Akkayyapalem to NH are under proposal. The translocated tree species encompass neem, tamarind, bhaunia, spathodea, pongamea and peltophorium, mostly aged between 15 and 25 years.

The process of transplantation involves filling the new pit with root enhancers, cocopeat, vermicompost, sand, and red earth. To ensure the health of the translocated trees, the roots are treated with fungicop and copper oxychloride after uprooting.

However, the worry is about the well-being of the trees, especially those near the government chest hospital in Pedda Waltair. Despite careful relocation, these trees have dried up in their new location, prompting questions about the overall success of the tree transplantation initiatives.

JV Ratnam, an environmentalist, likened the translocated trees to children, emphasizing the need for meticulous care, including sufficient water and nutrients. He urged the community to take responsibility for the well-being of these plants.

In response to the concerns, the deputy director of horticulture at Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), stated, "The translocated trees are like children. We should take care of them like babies by providing sufficient water and all the nutrients. We request every one to take care of the plants."

The deputy director also acknowledged that the standard procedure for transplantation involves cutting down stems and then translocating, whereas, in this case, trees were translocated directly. He said there was a 40-50 per cent chance of survival, but “the GVMC is making efforts to save the translocated trees.”

The established Jewish time for the plants' adjustment is 90 days, and the authorities are actively monitoring and managing the trees during this critical period to maximise their chances of survival.