For days in the middle of May, people passing by the New Town bus stand were taken aback by the sight of full-grown trees being uprooted. Many expressed discontent, while some assumed it to be a precautionary measure for Cyclone Yaas, that was scheduled to hit the state on May 26.
It turns out that it was done to clear the Island for construction work of the New Garia-Airport Metro. The station, now called Bidhannagar and proposed to be renamed as Nazrul Tirtha, is located adjacent to the spot, across the Major Arterial Road.
“The approach to the station will be from both sides of the road. The stairs and the elevator will come up from the Island. A similar construction will take place on the other side too. Since the eight trees were in the way we had to shift them,” said Subhas Basu, joint general manager, civil, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL). The Cafe Ekante stall is also being shifted.
According to Metro sources, trimming of the branches started on May 13 but the shifting was delayed due to the restrictions imposed on May 15. The exercise was finally undertaken on May 23.
The trees, in accordance with Hidco rules, have been relocated. “We kept the root system intact and replanted them in the central business district, behind The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, after preparing the soil pits with growth hormones. Bamboo pole reinforcements were also put in place to guard against the trees falling in storms,” the official said.
Such re-plantations have taken place earlier also, a Metro official said. About 25 other full-grown trees which had to make way for Metro work have been shifted behind the CRPF camp to the right of the Akhankha crossing. Some have found space in Eco Park too.
The trunk being uprooted with the root system intact
The trunk being loaded for transportation. It is being replanted elsewhere
Support given with bamboo polls
The pit being filled with soil
The replanted trees standing in a row a week after being installed at the new spot behind The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat.
Pictures courtesy: RVNL and by Sudeshna Banerjee
