80 banyan trees on mill land to get brand new homes
BMC to replant the trees from Indu and Bharat mills at the Nature Park in Mahim and National Park in Borivli at a cost of Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh per tree …..SUDHIR SURYAWANSHI
What does one do when nature comes in the way of redevelopment? Simply relocate it. That’s what the BMC and Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) have decided to do with 80 banyan trees from two old mill compounds. The trees will be uprooted and replanted at the Nature Park in Mahim and National Park in Borivli so that they are not destroyed when the mills are redeveloped. The cost, however, is daunting at between Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh per tree depending on type and size.
Mayor Shubha Raul said a recent survey of Indu and Bharat mills — both to be redeveloped — showed that around 80 banyan trees would have to be cut down when work begins.
Mayor Shubha Raul said a recent survey of Indu and Bharat mills — both to be redeveloped — showed that around 80 banyan trees would have to be cut down when work begins.
“We decided on the replanting in order to save these 60-80-year-old trees. At least we will be able to maintain the number of trees, if not increase it,” she said.
“If the project succeeds, trees in other mill compounds will also be uprooted and relocated,” the mayor said.
HOW IT IS DONE
HOW IT IS DONE
The process of transplantation is a long one. “Before uprooting any banyan tree, we take precautions to ensure that the roots are not destroyed. We then cover the roots of the tree with wet gunny bags before putting them in a truck or trailer. The pitch where they will be transplanted is filled with goodquality soil, fertiliser and manure,” said Dr Avinash Kubal, director of Mahim Nature Park. During transportation, water is continuously sprinkled over the tree. “Once transplanted, the tree starts responding within 2-3 days and new branches come up in three months. Monsoon is the best time for such transplanting. An uprooted tree can die soon in high temperatures,” said Kubal.