Nagpur: In a significant move towards environmental preservation and a greener Nagpur, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has successfully transplanted an 84-year-old heritage tree using a state-of-the-art Tree Transplanter Machine. The transplantation was carried out on an experimental basis on Monday, June 9, marking a major milestone in eco-conscious urban planning.

The Garden and Workshop Department of the NMC undertook the successful relocation of the ancient peepal tree from Bhandewadi Plot to a site near Sheetla Mata Mandir and the Provident Fund Office. The operation was carried out with the help of advanced machinery without damaging the tree’s roots or trunk.

NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, Additional Commissioner Vaishnavi B., and Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Ganesh Rathod were present during the transplantation. The tree transplanter machine was procured using ₹5.47 crore allocated from the District Planning Fund and has also been registered with a number plate by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The need for transplantation arose due to the ongoing flyover construction at Bhandewadi Plot Chowk under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The large peepal tree, located near Mukherjee Multispeciality Hospital, was obstructing traffic flow. Standing approximately 30 feet tall, the tree was carefully uprooted and relocated using the machine.

The tree transplanter, manufactured by Dakota, is one of only two such machines currently available in Maharashtra, with the other being operated by the Thane Municipal Corporation. Operated remotely, the machine was first used to dig a large pit using a JCB. It then lifted the tree and replanted it at the designated location. Equipped with a 1,600-litre water tank, the machine also ensures the roots remain hydrated throughout the transplantation process.

Officials believe the machine will prove instrumental in future development projects across Nagpur, where large trees obstructing construction can be relocated instead of being cut down.

Also present during the operation were Assistant Commissioner of Nehru Nagar Zone Sonam Deshmukh, Executive Engineer Rajesh Gurmule, Ujjwal Lanjewar, Garden Superintendent Amol Chourpagar, and other civic officials.