In a remarkable effort to preserve nature, a 100-year-old banyan tree in Shankarpally, Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, was recently relocated to a private property, saving it from being cut down. The tree, which had regrown successfully after having its branches stripped nearly a decade ago, was moved two to three kilometers away by an individual who adopted it. This initiative is part of a growing trend where citizens are stepping forward to protect and relocate old trees, often spending up to Rs 2 lakh on equipment and transportation.
The relocation was facilitated by the VATA Foundation, a Hyderabad-based non-profit organization specializing in tree translocations. Over the years, the foundation has received overwhelming requests from across Telangana and beyond, completing successful relocations in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Dehradun, and Bhopal.
Uday Krishna Peddireddi, founder of the VATA Foundation, shared with *The Pioneer* that the Shankarpally relocation was initiated after an individual reached out for help to adopt the tree. “The increasing interest in tree adoption is largely due to successful past translocations, where relocated trees have continued to grow and thrive,” he said.
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The movement to save trees is not limited to individuals. The Patny-Secunderabad Traffic Police have also requested the relocation of several trees, forwarding the proposal to the Forest Department and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The request is currently pending execution.
The VATA Foundation receives nearly 15 calls per month from people interested in tree translocation. With the process accessible online, many adopters are willing to hire JCBs and cranes to transport trees. However, relocating large trees is a costly and labor-intensive process, with expenses reaching up to Rs 2 lakh per tree due to the need for specialized equipment.
Relocating trees is not without challenges. For larger trees, only one can be transported at a time, and the foundation advises moving trees within one to two kilometers to ensure a higher survival rate. To streamline the process, the VATA Foundation is developing a protocol document outlining specific relocation methods for different types of trees. This draft will soon be submitted to the National Wildlife Board and the Ministry of Environment, paving the way for standardized methods in tree translocation.
The successful relocation of the Shankarpally banyan tree is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation efforts. As more individuals and organizations step forward to protect old trees, this movement is not only preserving nature but also inspiring others to take action.
With the VATA Foundation leading the way, the future looks promising for tree conservation in India. As Peddireddi aptly puts it, “Every tree saved is a step toward a greener, healthier planet.”
For those interested in adopting or relocating trees, the VATA Foundation’s online resources provide a valuable starting point, ensuring that more trees can be saved and thrive in safer locations.
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