MUMBAI: Residents of a housing society in Vikhroli have painstakingly restored a tree which had been uprooted during cyclone Tauktae this May. The Amaltas Garden Enclave Housing Society had consulted a few tree experts and spent over Rs 30,000 to finally revive the fallen tree, much to the delight of its members.
Talking to TOI, the housing society’s committee member, Karthik Kasiraman, said: “xAfter the cyclone Tauktae in May this year, this tall tree which is related to the Gulmohar species, was completely uprooted, which was sad. Many members in our housing society wanted this tree to live as it had been earlier planted by the members themselves. So, we first consulted tree experts Deepti Nayar and Sanjiv Valsan, in order to save it.’’
He further added that they were advised to contact a civic contractor with a suitable heavy-duty machine in order to make a cavity at the site where the tree had fallen down; and then further harness its trunk with strong ropes so that it would stand properly while the roots get some time to stabilise it.
“We have been following all the procedures for the last two months, including regular watering, to see the tree’s progress. A few new leaves are now seen on it, and we were very happy to know from the experts that the tree is doing well,” added Karthik.
Environmentalist D Stalin of NGO Vanashakti said: “It is rare to see people going out of their way to give a fallen tree a second chance. xI congratulate Amaltas Garden Enclave society for working to restore xan uprooted treex. All housing societies must follow this green example and try to save trees.”
