It is learnt that the 200 years-old banyan tree, which had been uprooted allegedly by a builder at Khobrawaddo, Baga on the eve of World Environment Day on June 5, was reportedly finally replanted after large parts of it were chopped.
It is understood that the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) had lodged a complaint about the uprooting of the tree with various authorities.
Following protests there was a demand to replant the tree. This is a very good move and probably the first instance in the State that a massive uprooted tree has been replanted.
It is pertinent to note that during the monsoon season there are several instances of uprooting of trees reported in the State due to strong winds. It takes several decades for a tree to grow to the present size.
A massive tree while providing shade is also home for various bird species. They are natural treasures which need to be conserved. It would be in the fitness of things to have a system in place to replant age-old massive trees which have uprooted during the rains.
It is pertinent to note that in western countries if there is a tree that stands in the way of developmental work, the tree is mechanically uprooted and replanted at a different location.
