Bengaluru: Of the four trees that were translocated by residents at Sarjapura, one of them has sprouted with new young leaves, indicating life.
The initiative, which cost Rs 3 lakh, was funded by the Sarjapura Residents’ Welfare Association (SRWA) who did not wish to see trees being chopped for a road development project.
Ever since this people's initiative to save trees, the demand for translocating trees is on the rise, said Bengaluru tree doctor and conservationist Vijay Nishanth.
Mr Nishath, who oversaw the crowdfunded project, said, “Requests for tree translocation are pouring in from not only residents, but also government agencies. Not just Bengaluru,
we are getting requests from places as far as Delhi. A senior citizen from Delhi, a farmer from a remote village, and many more have contacted the SRWA and have requested for knowledge sharing on tree relocation," he said.
It is not only citizens, many government agencies too have started showing interest, Mr Nishanth said, adding that the forest and police departments have invited the translocation team to share their experience with them, he said.
Why can't govt take up tree translocation?
Mr Nishanth said that government agencies quickly prepare a project report, mark trees to be chopped and go ahead with felling trees. “Why can't same government agencies take up tree translocation wherever possible,” he asked.
“If done with proper care and expertise, the success rate of tree translocation can be as high as 90 percent. If an RWA can pool in money and save trees, why can’t the government, which has needed equipment, not daring to take it forward,” the city tree doctor questioned.
“At a time when citizens are opposing infrastructure projects as trees need to be chopped, translocation is a viable option that needs to be explored. If the government decides, the cost of translocation per tree will reduce drastically as they have all the necessary equipment. I don’t mind helping the government,” he said. The success of translocation in Sarjapura is paving way for a similar exercise on Jayamahal Road, he said.
