Nagpur: A 156-year-old heritage Peepal tree near Gandhisagar may be scientifically relocated to make way for a construction project, with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) initiating the statutory approval process.The NMC’s Garden Department has issued a public notice inviting objections within seven days to an application by businessman Lalit Vora, who has sought permission to translocate the tree standing on Plot Nos. 2 and 2A on Ruikar Road in Ganjipeth. According to the application, the tree obstructs the proposed construction.Garden Department officials clarified that the proposal is for translocation, not felling. “The permission process is underway. If approved, the tree will be scientifically relocated to another site,” an official told TOI.As heritage trees are rarely moved because of the technical complexity involved, the proposal has attracted attention. Citizens opposing the move have been asked to submit written objections, along with proof of identity, to the Tree Officer at the NMC headquarters within seven days. Objections received after the deadline will not be considered.NMC has previously carried out similar operations. In 2025, the Garden Department relocated a 188-year-old heritage banyan tree from Pachpaoli to Gorewada Biodiversity Park after it stood in the way of an e-library project. The 42-foot tree was scientifically uprooted, pruned and replanted within 24 hours using root hormones and a nutrient-rich transplant pit. Although it initially showed signs of physiological stress, it later developed healthy new foliage.Earlier, in 2022, NMC successfully transplanted a 150-year-old banyan tree that had been uprooted during a severe storm near Gorewada Lake after extensive root treatment and preparation of a large transplantation pit.The final decision will be taken after evaluating public objections and the technical feasibility of the exercise, with the civic body expected to balance heritage conservation with development needs.
