PANAJI
The two-century-old banyan tree, a cherished landmark at St Inez, was hastily uprooted and moved to an undisclosed location, despite widespread objections from citizens.
The abrupt move, particularly undertaken in the absence of environmentalists and experts and during intense heat, has stirred controversy. Adding to the irony, authorities opted to first get rid of the banyan tree “ which posed less obstruction on the road, and spare the rain tree that needed urgent felling.
With the entire operation carried out past midnight, questions also surround the banyan tree's new whereabouts. The authorities have further chosen not to disclose the details of the Forest Department's order approving the tree’s translocation.
Having witnessed various socio-cultural events, infrastructural development and the ongoing Smart City works, the citizens are undoubtedly heartbroken to see this tree uprooted from its birthplace.
The scorching temperatures, lack of moisture in the tree prior to its relocation, and other factors could now pose a challenge in ensuring its survival. The timing is less than ideal, a factor overlooked by the department and other authorities.
Uday Krishna, founder-trustee of the Vata Foundation, which has facilitated the translocation of over 2,500 trees across six States including Goa, has expressed this concern.
Krishna cited the necessity of watering the banyan tree for a minimum of two weeks before its relocation and emphasized favourable weather conditions, such as at least 1-2 spells of rain, to execute the process smoothly.
“The banyan tree is a resilient species, and if translocated under proper conditions, its survival rate is as high as 99.99 percent. Weather conditions play a crucial role in this regard. Summer is not conducive for tree translocation,” Krishna added while speaking to The Goan, shedding light on the procedural intricacies of the entire operation.
With the task already completed, Krishna demanded that authorities need to be questioned as to how they allowed the process in summer if they wanted to save it.
The choice of equipment used for uprooting and relocating the tree also plays a crucial role, along with the distance between the current and new locations to ensure the tree's survival. Krishna emphasized the importance of sap, a white sticky liquid, in sustaining the tree temporarily.
“In adverse conditions, sap can significantly help the tree's survival. However, we must ensure that the tree survives in the long run with a minimum of two years of care after it is replanted…The banyan tree possesses the unique ability for its branches to be propagated, facilitating its replanting and growth into new trees,” he added.
Speaking on the uprooting procedure, Krishna revealed the necessity of preserving the tree's roots intact, lifting it from the ground along with the surrounding mud.
"The method of excavation is crucial," he emphasized, recommending that the pit at the new location be double the size of the root ball, ensuring loose soil that will adequately nurture the existing roots.
“Once uprooted, the tree should not linger on the ground for long; it must be promptly relocated to its new planting site, preferably close by,” he stated citing a recent successful relocation of 25 peepal trees within an hour in another State.
