A woman Shanti (53) died and lost her life, in a freak accident while a 150-year old banyan tree was being translocated in the Vadavalli Thondmuthur road.
The mighty tree, which was being transported to be replanted in a new location with the help of earth mover, had slipped and fell on road side crushing a lamp post which fell on a hutment grievously injuring the resident, Shanthi.
The women who sustained serious head injuries was rushed to the hospital immediately. However she was declared brought dead.
Experts with whom SimpliCity spoke to are of the opinion that translocation of trees which face the threat of axe is a noble cause but the people or NGOs engaged in this should show caution while executing the process. Old trees with big trunks and root system might cause accidents like this and proper planning like shifting in daylight could prevent such accidents. And moreover, proper and prior technical assistance should be sought while engaging in such works"
“The NGOs or organisations should be in a better position if they consult agroforestry experts about the techniques and dos and don’ts to be adopted while relocating a tree” said Dr.Parthipan, HOD, Department of Agroforestry, TNAU, Mettupalayam in an interview to SimpliCity a couple of weeks back.
More over Parthiban also quoted that "Instead of translocating old trees which is a drain on resources as up to Rs.50000 are spent in every operation. Instead, more new saplings at safe locations with regular maintainence could be planted in large numbers as only young trees transplanted in future will add more cover".
Tension gripped the area as the translocation had claimed a life of an innocent woman. “The accident could have been prevented if more precaution could be taken and moreover the darkness that prevailed in the area is also the key reason for the accident. The translocating operation should have been started early and ended before it gets dark" grieved the neighbours of the victim.