Citizens, PWD join hands to save SSKM giant Himalayan cedar tree from axe in Kolkata
Times of India | 8 April 2025
1234 Kolkata: A giant 75-foot-tall Debdaru (Himalayan cedar) tree beside the historic Woodburn Building at SSKM Hospital was successfully transplanted.
The tree, which stood sentinel for over six decades, was originally slated for removal to accommodate an extension of the historic Woodburn Building for new medical equipment as part of the hospital's modernisation plans.
However, a collaborative effort between concerned citizens and the state's Public Works Department (PWD) ensured its survival.
Spearheading the initiative was Active Citizens Together for Sustainability (ACTS), a community-led environmental group working under the "Each One Plant One" campaign.
The team, led by Ajay Mittal, along with Vijay Agarwal and Pankaj Maloo, collaborated closely with the PWD engineers. Md Fawad, who skilfully operated the excavator and earth mover, provided technical assistance for the transplantation. "We specifically chose Sunday to carry out the operation, when hospital footfall is lower," said Mittal. "We first removed the concrete base around the tree, then used an earth mover to gently extract the tree with its root ball intact. It took careful planning to retain as much of the root system as possible," he added.
The tree, estimated to be 60–70 years old, was moved to a prepared site directly opposite its original location. Its roots were treated with fungicides to prevent infection, and enriched compost was added to aid recovery. The tree's crown was also trimmed to reduce stress on the roots and balance its weight in the new pit. The entire operation lasted about six hours in scorching heat. "It was a delicate and emotionally fulfilling task. While planting saplings gives us hope for the future, saving a mature tree is like preserving a piece of our environmental heritage," said Vijay Agarwal.
According to a PWD official, the tree was already under threat due to excessive concretisation around its base. "Without intervention, it may have collapsed soon. Translocation was not just an option — it was essential," he claimed.
This successful transplant stands as a rare example of eco-conscious planning amid urban development. It also highlights the growing role of citizen-led green initiatives and their expertise in tree conservation. "In a world where trees are often the first casualties of development," said an ACTS volunteer, "today, we made a different choice — to protect, not destroy."