Green success: Victoria’s replanted tree bears leaves
Times of India | 28 February 2025
12 Kolkata: The 30-year-old Radhachura tree that was successfully transplanted at the Victoria Memorial complex on Nov 10 has sprouted fresh leaves. City-based botanists believe the development is encouraging, particularly since the transplantation was done during the post-monsoon period. Usually, transplantation works best before monsoon as the transplanted tree gets abundant water from the rain.
"I was overwhelmed when I first noticed the fresh leaves on the top of the trimmed tree a week ago," said Omprakash Baid (62), who had spotted the uprooted tree lying unattended near the south gate of Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) in mid-Aug and thereafter spent Rs 27,000 to transplant it. Baid, a regular morning walker at VMH, liaised with city-based transplantation expert Sanjay Jaisingh and the monument's authority.
Jaisingh, who spearheads Mithri Mitti, said, "The biggest challenge for the tree's survival was that it was transplanted when there was hardly any rain." During the first five days of transplantation, the tree was hydrated with 1,000 litres of water daily, followed by 200-300 litres a day in winter. "We also sprayed fungicide and seaweed extract as a bio-stimulant," Jaisingh said.
"We witnessed the tree overcome the post-transplantation shock quickly. The roots are able to adjust with the soil as well," said Sarbani Roy, a botanist from KMC's parks & square department who is also involved in the transplantation project. "The fresh leaves indicate a high likelihood of the tree surviving and re-growing. Usually, less than one in three transplanted trees survive the trauma," Roy said.
VMH tweeted on their X handle: "We are delighted to share the success of VMH's tree replantation initiative in collaboration with Mithri Mitti, which has shown its first signs of new life after months of dedicated care. This effort stands as a testament to the power of collective environmental conservation."
Stay updated with breaking news, bank holidays and upcoming public holidays in march.