A 150-year-old Banyan tree that was unearthed due to storm in May month in the premises of government quarters near Gorewada lake got a lease of life due to sincere efforts made by Garden Department of NMC for its re-plantation at same place.
It may be mentioned here that a storm erupted in the city on May 24 last unearthed many trees, including this old Banyan tree. The girth of the tree is 17 feet diameter. The department accepted the challenge and replanted it by cutting fallen branches and maintaining height of 20 feet of the tree. It deployed JCB to create a big pit with depth of 12 feet. Necessary treatment was also given to the tree. Then, soil/fertilizer was poured in the pit.
While cutting the branches, the inclined tree got gradually restored in straightway in the pit and there was no need to use services of a crane. The process took around 25 days with due care taken by the department and following advices given by Dr V M Illorkar, Head of Agro-forestry Department, PDKV, for treatment for growth of network of roots, laying four pipes for providing water and growth harmones, informed Amol Chaurpagar, Garden Superintendent, on Tuesday.
Interestingly, the tree, which has experienced and sustained natural adversities for the last one-and-a-half century, withstood the tests of strong winds in May, then scorching summer heat and even heavy rainfall during monsoon. Now, the tree has started sprouting.
Radhakrishnan B, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, NMC, congratulated Chaurpagar and his team on overcoming the adverse condition, giving the 150-year-old Banyan tree a lease of life and restoring its glory.
