Translocated trees finds new ground in Smart City

Bhubaneswar: In what could emerge as best possible way to address global warming, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has adopted process of ‘translocation of trees’ instead of cutting them for undertaking expansion or any development project in the Smart City.

The horticulture wing of the development authority has successfully shifted over 450 trees within the city limits in the last one year, official sources said.

All the trees were translocated from Master Canteen and Nehru park in a phased manner to Madhusudan Park, Buddhajayanti park, Kharavel Nagar park and IG Park.

BDA officials informed that the trees were shifted to facilitate construction work of the railway station.

“ BDA and Smart City project have decided to adopt the translocation policy to minimise felling of trees for a better, cleaner and greener Bhubaneswar,” said BDA chief horticulturist Ashok N. Dhar.

Dhar further informed that the translocation process was undertaken in October last year near Master Canteen which was completed in December.

The second phase of shifting of remaining trees was carried out between April 27 and May 6. Most of the transplanted trees are doing well and have survived.

As per the BDA officials, its Horticulture wing adopted scientific translocation method to ensure that the live trees were removed with soil attached to it.

The plants were transported during the night hours to ensure better freshness and regular watering was also ensured by the field staff to make the plants and trees survive in their newly adopted surrounding.