Translocation of trees stuck in official apathy

Hyderabad: While trees are being cut left, right and centre and with the axing of trees on the Nallagandla-Tellapur road causing a furore among citizens, the issue of translocation of trees has once again come in for debate.

P Venkateshwarlu, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Hyderabad, says, ''Not all trees can be translocated. A successful translocation depends on the type of trees, its genetics and age of the trees. The area and surroundings around the tree after translocation also matters."

However, environmentalists and experts insist that translocation of all trees can be done successfully. P Uday Krishna from Vata Foundation, who has been working with GHMC for the last nine years, said, "Last year we moved six trees from Kothaguda Junction to facilitate the upcoming flyover; they were shifted to a government school in Shaikpet. All six trees were saved and are now greener than before."

"Similarly, we have moved many trees for GHMC in the past with a survival rate of 85 to 100 per cent. But for the last two years, the forest department and the GHMC have not been issuing tenders for shifting trees," added Uday.

In 2017, Vata Foundation, along with the GHMC, translocated around 500 trees in LB Nagar, KPHB, and Gachibowli circles, but the number dipped to around 50 in 2018 and is just around 10-15 in 2019.

In a bid to pacify the citizens, Venkateshwarulu said, "We have assured the people that three times the number of trees felled would be planted in both the areas. We are also taking certain measures to ensure that the environment does not get affected. Within five years, the trees are expected to grow rapidly and the mistake done will be rectified."