Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar inspected trees translocated as part of the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) flyover project at Kempegowda Circle, also known as Manipal Hospital Junction.

Accompanied by NHAI officials, the MP visited the relocated trees at Siddique Nagar on November 9 to review their condition and growth. Officials informed him that most of the transplanted trees were growing well, with new leaves appearing after relocation. Star of Mysore

Tree-felling plan revised after public suggestions

The flyover project initially identified 350 trees for felling to facilitate construction. However, following a public hearing and consultations with the Forest Department, the plan was revised to minimise the impact on the city’s green cover.

Under the revised plan:

  • 60–65 trees will be felled.
  • 278 trees will be translocated to new locations.
  • 10 trees will be retained at their existing locations.

The revised approach was taken after considering public suggestions and the recommendations of the Forest Department. Star of Mysore

Specialised agency undertakes tree transplantation

The NHAI invited tenders and appointed Pune-based D.P. Ghorpade and Associates, a specialised agency with experience in scientific tree transplantation, to carry out the work.

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) identified suitable locations for relocating the trees. These include a municipal park in Shivarathreeshwara Nagar and an area beneath high-tension power lines in Vijayanagar First Stage.

The trees being relocated include Honge (Indian beech), Kadu Mallige (wild jasmine), Bevu (neem) and several other native varieties. Star of Mysore

Measures taken to support tree growth

Before replanting, pits were prepared using potassium humate, insecticides and fungicides to support the transplantation process.

Water tankers were deployed daily after the trees were relocated to ensure they received sufficient moisture during the initial period. The latest inspection indicated that new leaves had sprouted and most of the transplanted trees were growing well.

The condition of the relocated trees remains an important aspect of the project, as their survival will determine the effectiveness of the transplantation exercise. Star of Mysore

Balancing infrastructure development and green cover

The flyover project at Kempegowda Circle is being taken up to improve traffic movement at one of Mysuru’s important junctions. The decision to relocate a large number of trees instead of felling all the identified trees followed public concerns about the city’s green cover.

Yaduveer’s inspection focused on the condition of the trees shifted to new locations as part of the project. The progress highlights the importance of monitoring transplanted trees even after the relocation work is completed.