A massive 100-year-old tree was relocated on the Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University campus on Sunday, making it one of the largest exercises of its kind taken up in the city.
The tree, a 30-foot-long species of blackberry, was removed with its roots intact for relocation as it was an obstruction to the construction of a building. The authorities decided to relocate the tree, with a girth of 2.5 meters, to the front side of the campus. “The tree was removed at the right time as its roots were damaged by drain water from a nearby pond. We treated the roots and then planted it again to make way for the construction,” said Vice-Chancellor of the university S.V. Satyanarayana.
The university is constructing a hostel for girl students as it does not have such a facility. The relocation of the tree was done by an agency that is relocating plants and trees for Hyderabad Metro Rail.
“We were told that this is the biggest tree that they have transplanted. The tree is likely the oldest on this campus,” said Sudhir, a senior faculty member at the university. Officials said before a spot was selected for translocation, an assessment was made to see if the big tree can easily extend its roots. “We encountered rock as we dug a massive put for the tree at the designated relocation spot. The rock was cut and the tree finally replanted,” Dr. Sudhir added.