In an age where, politicians are least bothered of translocation of trees and are hail deforestation, TDP MLA Penamaluru Bode Prasad is paving way for a happy tree story.

Four Peepal trees located near Poranki along the Vijayawada-Machilipatnam highway were about to be meet the fate of thousands of fallen trees as a part of national highway widening. Prasad took it upon himself to save the old peepal trees through translocation.

At a personal expense of one lakh rupees, with the help of cranes, workers and local police, the MLA personally supervised the work and efficaciously changed the location of the trees on Sunday night.

As a part of the process of translocation, the workers first cut a few branches and leaves of the tree, and uprooted before digging a four-feet deep hole, around the feet of the tree’s trunk. Following this, the trees were carefully lifted, without damaging the roots, and before they were transported to the destination, the trees were then lowered into another pit which was dug up and ready for the tree, at Bandar Canal Bund, near Tadigadapa Bridge.

The TDP MLA, while addressing the media, said many trees would grow even if a small bit of the roots were planted somewhere else. The trees had been around since his childhood, and he was saddened at the thought of them being cut down. The roads should be expanded, keeping in mind the value of trees and the things they provide, said Prasad. The leader urged the authorities to deal thoughtfully of eco-friendly alternatives, rather than chopping down the trees.

SUPRAJA