City-based tree-transplant specialist Prem Joshi today claimed that he has successfully relocated over 2,000 trees in last 44 years.
"Trees are being felled for developmental work in the country, but the government is not serious about their transplantation," the 66-year-old volunteer said.
Recalling that he first relocated a 'peepal' tree in 1972, Joshi claimed he has relocated over 2,000 trees, including Banyan (Bargad) trees successfully in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
"Even if the government transplants trees, their survival rate was too low due to upkeep," he claimed.
Joshi alleged wood mafias make bids that the government doesn't give permission for tree transplantation so that they get cheap wood from the fell trees.
