Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar inspected trees translocated as part of the flyover project being taken up by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at Kempegowda Circle (Manipal Hospital Junction). 

Accompanied by NHAI officials, the MP inspected the trees at Siddique Nagar this noon. 

Following a public hearing on the trees affected by the project, authorities had initially identified 350 trees for felling. However, after considering public suggestions and consulting the Forest Department, the plan was revised to fell 60-65 trees, translocate 278 and retain 10 at their existing locations. 

The NHAI floated tenders and selected a specialised agency with experience in scientific tree transplantation. The work was carried out by Pune-based D.P. Ghorpade and Associates.  

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) identified sites for the transplanted trees, including a municipal park in Shivarathreeshwara Nagar and an area beneath high-tension power lines in Vijayanagar First Stage. 

Before replanting, pits were prepared with potassium humate, insecticides and fungicides. The trees translocated included Honge (Indian Beech), Kadu Mallige (wild jasmine), Bevu (neem) and several other native varieties. 

Water tankers were deployed daily after the transplantation to ensure that the trees received adequate moisture during the initial period. New leaves have now sprouted and most of the transplanted trees are growing well, the MP was told.