Team moves century-old peepal tree in Ahmedabad with crane
In November 2022, a team led by Bharat Sisodia rescued a hundred-year-old peepal tree in Ahmedabad after it was cut down.
Workers dug around the stump and used a fifty-tonne crane to lift the remaining trunk for relocation. They carefully transported the damaged roots nearly two kilometres to a new site nearby.
The group prepared a special pit with nutrients to support the tree as it began to recover from the shock. Continuous care was essential because the roots needed time to rebuild and draw water from unfamiliar ground. Favourable weather conditions aided the recovery process while the team monitored the tree closely.
Bharat believes planting is only the first step and introduced an idea called plantenance to ensure long-term survival. This approach combines planting with necessary maintenance to help trees thrive whether they are new or decades old. It focuses on giving every tree the attention it needs to grow healthy and strong over time.
His team has also relocated nearly fifty trees in Vasai with help from local residents and community leaders. This involvement makes a real difference by allowing people to contribute directly to protecting their neighbourhood greenery. Such efforts highlight the ongoing responsibility of caring for existing trees in growing cities.