The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to open a tree nursery by the end of June, to take care of thousands of trees uprooted for mass-transit construction projects.
The nursery is to be situated on 85 rai of land in Nong Chok district, a green zone in the northeastern part of the city.
The decision to open a tree nursery is City Hall's response to mounting complaints that trees are being felled by mass-transit contractors.
"The BMA has a policy to take care of trees. Our policy is that we will not let trees be cut down and die. We will have these trees transplanted to new areas where they can thrive," deputy permanent city clerk, Suwanna Jungrungrueng, told the media Monday.
According to the BMA some 3,723 trees are to be removed for the construction of five Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) railway projects in the capital.
Among them are 861 trees to be moved to make way for the MRT Orange Line from the Thailand Cultural Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road to Min Buri. Another 1,391 trees are to go for the MRT Pink Line from Min Buri to Khae Rai.
Additionally, 167 trees will be felled for the Green Line from Mor Chit to Lam Luk Ka, 950 are to make way for the Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong and 354 trees are to go for the construction of the MRT Gold Line from Thon Buri to Klong San.
The BMA has also imposed regulations on contractors on transplanting trees.
Contractors must obtain permits from the BMA before doing anything with trees and compensation must be paid, Ms Suwanna said.
Compensation amounts will be based on a tree's diameter.
