A towering peepal tree, which was facing the axe to make way for a road-widening project in the city, will get a fresh lease of life, thanks to a group of environment-conscious residents.
The tree, which has survived the test of time, would be uprooted from its original moorings near the Rettai Vaical on the Vayalur Road in the city, and relocated to a park at Vasan Valley, a residential colony off the road.
The two-day exercise, calling for considerable labour and expertise, began on Saturday. On Saturday the branches of the tree were being cut so that its trunk along with its roots could be lifted for being shifted easily. The tree would actually be lifted and transported using a crane for a distance of about 1.50 km to be replanted at the park on Sunday.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Vasan Valley Welfare Association with the support of Thaneer, a voluntary organisation working for the cause of environment protection.
For many local residents, the peepal tree had been a part of their life for long. Residents estimate the tree to be anywhere between 75 to 100 years old. “Senior citizens tell us that the tree had been here from their childhood,” said G. Anbuselvam, secretary, Vasan Valley Welfare Association, and K.C. Neelamegam, secretary, Thaneer.
When the residents came to know that the tree was to be cut down for the road-widening project, some among them remembered a media report on how a tree was relocated recently in Karur district. Soon the association approached the highways officials and got their permission to get the tree relocated. They took help from the Horticulture Department and individuals experienced in such operations. “We are sure that the tree, with proper care, will survive and flourish at its new home for many more years,” Mr. Anbuselvam said.
The exercise was carried out with the support of donors, according to Mr. Anbuselvam. The presidents of the Malliyampathu and Nachikurichi have come forward to support the initiative apart from a few other donors.
This is considered to be the first such voluntary effort taken up by residents of the city, although the public-sector major Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited had relocated some trees on its presmises here and also lent its expertise to such a venture along the Pudukottai Highway a few years ago.
The Vasan Valley Welfare Association has taken up a greening drive to plant about 1,000 saplings in their colony.
