Uprooted Radhachura and Mango Trees: Kolkata, known for its blend of heritage and greenery, recently witnessed a rare environmental rescue operation. Two beloved trees — a 60-year-old mango tree on Upper Wood Street and a century-old Radhachura tree on the boundary of Lady Brabourne College, Park Circus — were given a new lease of life after being uprooted during heavy rains. Instead of being chopped down, both trees were successfully transplanted, marking a turning point in the city’s approach to urban forestry and conservation.
This initiative has drawn attention not just for its technical achievement but also for its symbolic importance in demonstrating that mature trees — which take decades to grow — deserve preservation efforts equal to those devoted to historic buildings or monuments.
Uprooted Radhachura and Mango Trees: How the Rescue Happened
The storm that hit the city left several roads blocked with fallen branches and uprooted trees. Disaster management teams initially considered cutting the mango tree to clear traffic. But environmentalist Sanjay Jaisingh, founder of the conservation group Mitri Mitti, persuaded them to attempt transplantation instead. Wading through waist-deep water, he reached the site and coordinated with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the urban recreation forestry division, and the local police.
The team pruned the sprawling mango tree, reduced its length, and carefully replanted it using cranes and pay-loaders. Later, they turned their attention to the Radhachura tree at Lady Brabourne College. With support from college authorities and KMC officials, the tree was lifted with a hydraulic crane and transplanted back into its place.
Students were invited to watch the operation, transforming it into a live environmental awareness session. After replanting, roots were treated with fungicides and growth boosters to improve survival chances.
Why Mature Trees Matter
In many cities, tree planting often focuses on saplings. But mature trees like mango and radhachura provide:
- Carbon absorption & air purification: According to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, mature trees capture far more carbon dioxide than young saplings.
- Shade & cooling: They reduce the urban heat island effect, lowering local temperatures.
- Biodiversity: Older trees support birds, squirrels, and insects, forming mini-ecosystems.
- Cultural value: Mango trees, in particular, are deeply tied to Indian tradition and seasonal life.
By saving these trees, the city preserved decades of ecological investment that no plantation drive can replace overnight.
Challenges of Tree Transplantation
Transplanting trees is not without risks. Some may not survive due to root damage, soil mismatch, or post-stress shock. The process also demands:
- Heavy machinery & skilled teams
- Funding for equipment and aftercare
- Public cooperation during road closures
- Continuous monitoring for at least one year
Despite these hurdles, the Kolkata operations proved that transplantation can be a practical solution when executed with expertise.
Lessons for Urban Forestry
- Rescue before removal – Instead of cutting, authorities should prioritize transplantation whenever feasible.
- Species planning – Experts advise avoiding brittle species like radhachura or krishnachura in storm-prone areas, planting them instead in parks.
- GIS-based tree census – Mapping tree species, health, and age helps in identifying priority trees for rescue.
- Public engagement – Involving students and citizens strengthens community stewardship.
- Policy integration – Kolkata Municipal Corporation can include tree rescue budgets in its green infrastructure planning.
A Green Future for Kolkata
These successful rescues have become a symbol of hope for Kolkata’s urban environment. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the city must strengthen its resilience strategies. Preserving mature trees through transplantation is one such step, balancing development needs with ecological sustainability.
The survival of the mango and radhachura trees will depend on aftercare, but their transplantation has already sent a powerful message: heritage trees are living assets that must be preserved, not discarded.
Kolkata’s initiative could serve as a model for other Indian cities. With the right combination of public will, municipal support, and expert guidance, urban greenery can not only survive but thrive in the face of modern challenges.
For more on sustainable forestry and climate resilience, visit National Green Tribunal and UNEP’s ecosystem restoration program.
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
