Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inspected transplantation of 51 banyan trees from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra to Paithan National Highway 752 E. along with MLA Shri Sandipan Bhumre and actor Shri Sayaji Shinde .
Interacting with media Shri Gadkari said in the widening of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Paithan National Highway, there were about 51 banyan trees of 50 to 100 years old on both sides of the existing highway. He said it was not possible to complete the project without cutting them hence it was considered to revive these old giant trees by transplanting them to some other place without cutting them. He said for this Paithan Devbhoomi was selected because of the good ground water level due to Jaikwadi Dam.
Shri Gadkari said this is the first and only undertaking of tree transplantation in the country, in which 51 trees have been successfully restored and transplanted together. He said these trees will reverse adverse water-air conditions and effects of natural events in the coming times and will prove to be helpful in recharging ground water, improving wildlife habitat and reducing soil erosion.
Shri Gadkari said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the government is determined to improve the environment along with infrastructure development in the country. He said the government’s request to transplant big trees according to the area on both sides of the newly constructed national highways is an important step in the direction of environmental protection. The Minister said creation of green highways will be helpful in making India clean, green and pollution free.
