What is our natural reaction when we see a young tree fall due to heavy winds and incessant rains? Most of the times, we would look at it, feel sorry and then hope that the concerned authority would clear the fallen tree. A more sensitive soul would probably rue the loss and think that the efforts of 6, 7 or 10 years has gone waste, an oxygen giving, shade giving tree is gone forever and probably the soothing breeze of the tree will no longer be available.
However, we are fortunate to have some more determined souls who would not just pass by but take action to work on and revive the tree and see to it if the tree can be saved and brought back to life.
Few weeks ago, on 9 May night our neighbourhood experienced strong winds and heavy rain. This resulted in uprooting of a young Neem tree at Meghdutam Park. The tree must be about 7-8 years old and had grown to good size but could not bear its own weight and had fallen by. Next morning, the morning regulars at Meghdutam saw the fallen tree and felt sad and passed by. The Park authority was intimated and 7-8 casual workers from the Park contractor came and shaved the trunk of all the leaves to make it light. They were planning to dispose of the tree and clear the same from Meghdutam Park. (Pic 1 here)
However, all this activity caught the attention of some tree lovers from Overseas Apartments and neighbouring societies and they thought of saving the tree by planning for its revival. They stopped the contractors’ workers from carrying away the fallen tree and explained the procedure to save the tree. Accordingly, the tree was again set upright with the support of wooden poles, some organic fertilizer was spread in the roots and topped up with soil.
Since the roots of the tree are deep, even though the tree had fallen, there was hope because the roots were still intact and had not completely decapitated. Thus, with the help of tree lovers from our neighbourhood, and their timely intervention, the Neem tree could finally be saved. With monsoon round the corner, it is hoped that once the rains are benevolent, we would be lucky to see fresh leaves on the tree.
It is said that a fully mature Neem tree produces enough oxygen required for 2 persons in a year. Hoping to a see a greener Meghdutam and F Block due to the efforts of environment conscious residents.
Tree Fallen
Tree Replanted
