Giving a fallen tree a new lease of life

NAGPUR: In an action which could be inspiring for the society, Sir Gangadharrao Chitnavis Memorial Medical Research Trust transplanted a tree on its premises and made sure it survived.

The tree had fallen in September when construction work was going on around it. TOI had reported the incident. The trust maintained that the tree had fallen accidentally and due to incessant rains, while some residents of the area claimed that the trees had been fell on purpose.

But, whatever the reason for the tree falling, the trust has now set an example by replanting it and giving it a second chance to live. It has been transplanted on the premises of National Fire Service College hostel which lies adjacent to the trust land where the tree actually stood.

"We transplanted the tree within a fortnight of it falling. We called in a crane and had a pit dug by JCB. It took us some effort, but in the end all was worth it," said T Thomas, assistant director, projects of the trust.

He personally supervised the whole process. "When this happened we really wanted to try and save it. Great efforts were required to make sure that the roots were not damaged much in the process. All was done under the initiative of our trustee Awantika Chitnavis," Thomas said.

It was replanted during the monsoons because of which it got a lot of water, which favoured the transplantation. The ground was also moist which made it easier for the roots to take hold. The trust had also supported the tree with enhancement. All the efforts paid when after about two months the tree started sprouting leaves.