100 trees relocated to save green cover for Jodhpur flyover project

Time of India

7 hours ago

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Jodhpur: In a rare move prioritising environmental sustainability, the Jodhpur Development Authority (JDA) has opted to transplant over 100 fully-grown trees instead of felling them for a flyover project.
Despite being granted permission to cut the trees, JDA chose an eco-conscious route, setting aside an additional Rs 26 lakh for the relocation effort.
The trees—primarily neem, peepal, shesham, and karanj—were obstructing a flyover project currently underway. However, senior JDA officials proposed shifting them to alternate locations rather than destroying them.
According to executive engineer Pradeep Hooda, so far, 70 trees have been transplanted to areas around Ashok Udhyan on Pal Road, and the remaining 30 will be moved in July.
"This was not part of the original Rs 80 crore project," said Hooda. "However, after directions from senior officials, we floated a separate tender, engaged experts, and began the relocation process. It takes more time and money, but it's worth the effort.
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JDA commissioner Utsah Choudhary said it was the first time such an initiative had been undertaken in a JDA project. "When we realised over 100 trees would be affected, we decided to find a better solution.
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After consultations, we decided to transplant them. This should become a benchmark for future infrastructure projects," he said.
Environmental advisor Ram Niwas Budhnagar, associated with the Maa Amrita Devi Seed Bank and Research Institute, underscored the importance of scientific methodology in tree relocation. "The success of such efforts hinges on following the correct SOPs. Creating a healthy root ball is essential to preserving the tree's ability to regenerate after transplant," he said.
He added that failure to follow protocols had led to poor outcomes in the past, citing the example of Khejri trees that failed to survive during a similar relocation effort at the new campus of Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), where a drainage channel construction forced their removal.