35-year-old neem tree relocated for building house

A 35-year-old neem tree was today transplanted one km from its original place at Peelamedu here, thanks to efforts of green activists and members of a family, one of whom staged a fast against felling the tree.
The transplantation or relocating became necessary as the family members wanted to construct a house and planned to cut the tree as it was becoming an obstacle, police said.
However, a fast by an adamant member of the family forced them to go for transplantation and green activists and NGOs like 'G18,' 'Back to Nature', 'Vaanagam' and 'Pasumai Desam' helped them relocate the tree.

The activists cut its branches and treated the tree with chemicals to keep it hydrated during the last week.
A seven-foot deep pit was dug to remove the 30-foot tall tree and with the help of two earth movers it was uprooted and transported to VOC park area, with the permission of the Corporation officials, police said.
The cost for the process, approximately Rs one lakh, was borne by NGOs and family members.