Roots of Hope, Greens Revive Uprooted Trees at Kukkarahalli Lake

CH NEWS

By Shyam Sundar Vattam

MYSURU

The swift action by environmentalists has saved three trees that would otherwise have been chopped and used as firewood.

Last month, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds brought down three trees in the sprawling Kukkarahalli Tank area. The tank, once a primary source of drinking water for that part of the city, is maintained by the University of Mysore. When the trees fell, many assumed they would simply be cleared away. But upon learning of the incident, environmentalists rushed to the site and requested university authorities to allow them a chance to transplant the trees, since the roots were still alive.

After a rough estimation, the cost for transplanting the trees came to around Rs 30,000. This included expenses for earth-moving equipment, fertilizers, workers’ wages, and necessary medicines. Through citizen-led crowd funding, more than Rs 60,000 was raised. The greens, along with botanical experts, spent an entire day replanting the trees near their original locations, digging deeper and wider trenches to ensure better survival.

Thanks to nature’s healing touch, the transplanted trees have now begun to thrive. With the southwest monsoon showering the heritage city, Kukkarahalli Lake has become a sight of joy and renewal.

Three of the four Akash Mallige trees that were transplanted after being uprooted during the severe gales and thunderstorms of late April are now blooming with fresh sprouts, delighting walkers and visitors alike.

The new sprouts on these trees fortify our long-standing argument that this is possible and can be done successfully. It also makes clear that transplantation and translocation should always be the first option, and felling of trees should be completely avoided, said an elated spokesperson of the Action Committee.