Amaravati translocates over 4,000 trees

In a major green initiative, Amaravati Development Corporation Limited (ADCL) has translocated over 4,000 trees from different parts of the Amaravati Capital Region, saving them from infrastructure development works. The project, being implemented along with an instant tree nursery at Ananthavaram village, aims to preserve decades-old trees and replant them in the buffer zone.

According to ADCL data, the highest number of trees moved are from the Ficus species (2,200), followed by Amla (472), Bahunia (315), Legestromia (350), Maredu (250), Bignonia (296) and Millingtonia (117).

ADC chairperson and MD Devarakonda Lakshmi Parthasarathy said the translocation involves pruning tree branches to reduce weight, applying chemical treatment to the cut surfaces, and digging trenches around the root systems. Following this, the tap roots are cut, and the entire root ball is protected with cloth or sheets before being shifted to the nursery. There, the trees are placed in large bags filled with potting mixtures for protection.

The survival rate of translocated trees has been recorded at 85–90%. Officials highlight that the preserved trees are all over 12 years old, each of which would otherwise cost nearly ₹2–3 lakh if procured commercially. Encouraged by the success of the first phase, ADCL has now identified another 4,000 trees for translocation under phase II, which is expected to be completed by December 2025.