Udaipur, April 12: A remarkable example of balancing development and environmental conservation has emerged in Udaipur. Instead of cutting down 40 trees, aged 15 years, that were obstructing the construction of an elevated road from the City Railway Station to the Collector’s Bungalow, the municipal corporation opted to relocate them to a safe location, giving them a new lease on life. This operation was completed over three nights, and the trees are now thriving in Nehru Bal Udyan.
The operation commenced on Thursday night in the busy Udaipole intersection and continued through Friday and Saturday nights. The trees were scientifically uprooted, roots and all, between 11 PM and 2 AM. The entire operation was personally monitored by Municipal Commissioner Abhishek Khanna.
Saving Trees Worth Millions
Most of the 40 trees are palm trees, with a market value estimated between ₹60 to ₹70 lakh. The corporation managed to save these valuable trees for just around ₹1.25 lakh. Typically, such construction projects result in tree cutting, but this initiative has received widespread appreciation across the city.
Operation Conducted Under Expert Supervision
The operation was led by tree expert Dr. B.L. Chaudhary, often referred to as the ‘tree magician.’ His team first excavated deeply around the trees to safely extract the roots, then used a crane to place them onto a trailer for transport to a garden about one kilometer away. There, they were replanted into pre-prepared pits.
Elevated Road Project Costing ₹136 Crore
The 2.7-kilometer-long elevated road in Udaipur is being constructed at a cost of ₹136 crore, which will include 117 pillars, several of which will be installed in the Udiapole intersection. While the removal of trees was initially necessary, the municipal corporation prioritized environmental conservation by choosing to relocate them. Commissioner Abhishek Khanna stated that protecting the Environment is as crucial as development in the city. Maintaining greenery in a tourist city like Udaipur is a priority, and this initiative is seen as a significant step in that direction.