Metro Rail talks tree transplantation

Metro Rail talks tree transplantation
Vijay Times

Green activists who have been crying hoarse over the chopping of trees on the famed M G Road boulevard to make way for the Metro Rail project, have a glimmer of hope. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has not only promised to restore it to its past glory, but also possibly undertake a tree transplantation initiative.

BMRCL Managing Director, V Madhu, speaking to Vijay Times on Thursday, said, "A meeting has been convened on May 7 by the BMRCL board to meet with experts from our Environment Monitoring Committee to assist and advice us on the nittygritties with respect to all issues concerning the environment. Issues such as possible tree trans-locations, ground water table across the metro alignment, air pollution during construction etc that green activists have pointed out will be discussed. We hope to allay any fears that the project might affect the Citys green cover. For every tree cut, ten trees would be planted." Further on the MG Road case in particular, he said " We are looking at transplanting some of the16 trees into the F M Manekshaw parade grounds. Initially two to three trees would be transplanted. If found feasible, more would follow." The chief of the Environment Monitoring Committee, environmentalist Yellappa Reddy said that the team would visit the boulevard on Monday, to take a first hand account of whats remaining of the promenade. "As an environmentalist, I would definitely protest against the loss of a single leaf. But with key infrastructure projects such as the Metro Rail being a must for the City, some sacrifices have to be made. The BMRCL has invited us for a meeting. We will assess the ground realities and suggest suitable measures" he said.

Amir Ahmed, Chairman, BMTCL Environment Task Force, who is also a member of the committee said , "You cannot have the cake and eat it too. Tree cover is bound to be lost, but will be replaced" BMRCL sources also added, "Suggestions have been sought from landscaping experts to advice us on the restoration of the bund, post- metro construction" Dr H Paramesh, Medical Director, Lakeside Medical Centre and Hospital who has conducted extensive research on air pollution and its hazards said is also an invitee to Mondays meeting. He said "Apart from pillars supporting the metro, the heat generated from the steel coaches is bound to have an impact on peoples health and the environment. I would suggest plants and shrubs be grown around the pillars with self-sustaining water resources. All these aspects would come up for discussuion at the meeting."


Transplantation is recommended for species of high ecological, economical or symbolical value, which are improperly located, obstruct civil works, or affect future constructions. Sometimes valuable trees are relocated to improve the ambient of an important place.

Before transplanting a woody plant, evaluate whether or not the tree or shrub is likely to be a successful transplant. Transplanting stresses trees and shrubs. Such stress may cause plants to die or to become unattractive. Plants which are already in advanced stages of decline are especially likely to succumb to transplantation stress. Often a young nursery-grown plant will resume growth sooner than an older transplanted tree or shrub and will provide more long-term benefits in the new planting location. Shrubs have better transplant tolerance than trees, deciduous plants better than evergreens, shallow rooted species better than deep rooted species, and younger plants better than older plants. Some species tend to withstand transplanting better than others. When deciding whether or not to transplant a tree or shrub, or to start over with a young plant, consider the species transplant tolerance, condition of the plant, season to transplant, new planting site conditions, the equipment needed, and follow-up care.

Never allow plant roots to become dry during the transplanting process. Water all woody plants two to three days before digging if the soil is dry. Prior to digging, shrubs and trees with low branches should have these branches tied up to prevent injury during the digging, transporting and planting operations (Figure 1). Marking one side of the trunk will allow a tree to be placed in the same orientation at which it grew in its original location. Consistent orientation may help to prevent sunscald injury to stems.

There are great differences in the environmental requirements for each tree and shrub species. Only transplant a tree or shrub where light, moisture, soil pH, and wind exposure are appropriate for the particular species. All plants require space for root and crown development; therefore, consider mature plant size when planting trees and shrubs.

Soil characteristics are often limiting factors for woody plant survival in a given area. Sometimes the soil is inappropriate for tree growth and will require improved drainage or amendments before trees and/or shrubs are planted at the given location. A soil test should be completed in areas where soil quality is questionable.