The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has completed a rare and challenging task — relocating a 188-year-old banyan tree from Pachpaoli to clear the site for a proposed e-library. The four-day operation, executed under the Bombay High Court’s directions, required precision, patience and an unusually high level of coordination.
According to a media report, the banyan tree, deeply rooted in the cramped lanes of Pachpaoli, posed difficulties right from the start. Its sprawling root system — known to extend to nearly twice the height of the tree — made excavation particularly complex. Workers began by carving trenches around the tree and carefully shielding the roots. Hydraulic lifters and three JCBs were then deployed to slowly loosen and ease the massive structure from the soil.
Once the tree was freed, its roots were wrapped tightly in layers of gunny bags, nets and burlap to create a secure root ball. According to court-appointed expert Dilip Chinchmalatpure, the banyan stands 42 feet tall, has a 34-foot girth, and is typically best transplanted during monsoon or winter — but the team had to work within the court-mandated timeline.
After being hoisted onto a trailer, the banyan made its careful journey to Gorewada Biodiversity Park, where a spacious pit had been prepared in advance. The pit was layered with a nutrient-rich mix of cow dung, black soil, neem cake, root hormones and organic enhancers to aid the tree’s recovery. Once positioned upright, the transplanted giant was secured with support poles and the pit was refilled gradually while being watered.
Officials noted that the banyan will now require drip irrigation, mulching, pest monitoring and growth supplements in the coming months to help it stabilise and resume healthy growth in its new environment.
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