Andhra MLA translocates peepal trees that were going to be axed, on personal expense

A legislator from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state, took it upon himself to save four old peepul trees in Vijayawada via translocation. 

The trees, originally located along the Vijayawada-Machilipatnam highway, were shifted near the Tadigadapa bridge at the MLA's personal expense. 

The Deccan Chronicle reported that the trees were going to be axed, for widening the highway, which is when Penamaluru MLA Bode Prasad stepped in. 

Arranging cranes and workers, the MLA personally oversaw the work, and successfully translocated the trees on Sunday night. 

As part of the process of translocation, workers first cut a few branches and leaves of the tree, before digging a deep hole around the feet of the tree's trunk. 

Following this, the trees are carefully lifted, without damaging the roots, before they are transported to the destination, and lowered into another pit which was dug up and ready for the tree. 

Speaking to the media, Prasad he said that many trees would grow even if a small bit of the roots were planted somewhere else. 

The DC report also quotes Prasad as saying that the trees had been around since his childhood, and he was saddened at the thought of them being cut down. 

Asking for more officials to come forward and save trees, Prasad said that the roads should be expanded, keeping in mind the value of trees and the things they provide. 

He asked officials to think of eco-friendly alternatives, rather than directly axing the trees.