285 Amphan-hit trees restored and revived in Kolkata

Locals in the Bhabanipur in South Kolkata have restored a 100-year-old banyan tree in the area after it was uprooted by the Amphan cyclone. The tree is of emotional value to the local residents as there are generations' worth of memories associated with the tree.

Kolkata:The 100-year-old banyan tree at Northern Park in Bhabanipur, South Kolkata, has been the witness of many incidents. The banyan tree is very close to the emotions of the local people. Tons of memories of generation after generation surround the banyan tree. The little kids play around the tree and senior citizens spent time sitting under this tree in the afternoon.

On 20 May, the city of Kolkata was devastated by Cyclone Amphan. The 100-year-old banyan tree also fell that night due to the storm. The people of the area restored the tree. After many attempts, the 100-year-old banyan tree has gradually regained its vitality. About 1,600 such trees were uprooted in the city by Amphan. There are many old trees that are more than 25 years old. Banyan, Ashwattha, Krishnachura, Bakul and many other different species of trees were destroyed by the terrible storm. Various sewers, water pipes, electronic wires have been laid underground in Kolkata. As a result, the roots of the tree are getting weak due to not being able to go deep in the ground.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has decided to restore the 25-year-old trees that have been uprooted. About 300 trees were then restored in the city, of which 285 were revived. In Ward No. 70, Bhabanipur area the highest number of trees were restored. Asim Basu, the co-ordinator of this ward, restored twenty trees.

Trees uprooted from Northern Park, Roy Street, Justice Chandra Madhabpur Road, Chakraberia Road, Rabindra Sarobar, Subhash Sarobar areas were restored. 37 trees were restored in Subhash Sarovar out of which 33 trees have revived. Of the 144 trees restored in Rabindra Sarobar, 111 have been revived. Jadavpur University authorities have restored 65 trees. 65 of them have been revived.