BMRCL had shifted them from Bannerghatta Road to lay metro line

The translocation of 135 trees from Bannerghatta Road earlier this year to make way for the Gottigere-Nagawara metro line was one of the biggest undertakings by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL). However, the transport corporation, which often comes under attack for axing trees, has an update that will make citizens happy: it claims that more than 95% of the trees that were transplanted have sprung back to life. The trees are getting acclimatised to their new homes on the campus of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Arekere lake, and public parks in Shantiniketan and Bande that are maintained by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Arborator S. Prabhakaran and his 20-member team were behind the endeavour. They have been taking care of the trees since then. Of the 135 trees translocated, 130 trees have revived, he said. “The result after six months of constant treatment and maintenance has been beyond our expectations, as we had promised BMRCL a survival rate of 80%,” he said.

The translocation process took six months and included specialised treatment and maintenance of the trees. A majority of the trees are indigenous ornamental trees, such as Tabebuia Rosea, Mahogany and Peltophorum.

The BMRCL had spent around Rs. 12,000 per tree for translocation and maintenance.

“The trees had been under specialised treatment and observation for six months. As they have survived, they require only water from now on,” Mr. Prabhakaran added.

According to U.A. Vasanth Rao, Chief Public Relations Officer of BMRCL, this is ‘probably the first time in Bengaluru that translocation of trees has achieved such a successful outcome. It has been done with utmost care by the professionals. We will continue to invest in this process across the city, as we are trying to save as many trees as possible.”

Environmentalist Dr. Yellappa Reddy said that authorities should realise the value of the result and continue giving responsibility to capable agencies. “The same result should be obtained in all parts of the city where infrastructure projects are under way,” he said.

Environmentalists reiterate the need to save the city’s green cover.

Mr. Prabhakaran said, “Authorities should avoid cutting trees for developmental works. Trees across the city are not being maintained properly by the BBMP or the horticulture department. The authorities should not be influenced by previous failures and should trust arborators to save trees in this city,” he said.

50 more trees will be translocated

The BMRCL is has identified 50 trees on Bannerghatta Road for translocation. The agency has started work on shifting the trees, which are located on the median. They will be shifted to BBMP parks in and around Puttenahalli.