Branches of the sacred age-old Banyan tree were cut; roots have been severed leaving only the trunk of the tree in the name of translocation.
Activists and residents were enraged at the unlawful procedures used by the authorities for the relocation of the shrine and the banyan tree.
Some even became emotional as the centuries -old sacred banyan tree and the shrine which the people had so many memories and connections will be no more.
While lifting the tree with the help of a crane, the tree split into two pieces with severed roots. In critical condition, the tree has been shifted to its new location.
Additionally, Daniel Dsouza, a botanist and horticulturist, was present on the scene when the tree was being translocated. He highlighted that the purpose of splitting the tree was the lack of infrastructure to carry the entire tree.
The current infrastructure does not support the relocation of such a large tree in its entirety. Therefore, I proposed that the tree be divided into two or three sections and planted in different locations
Daniel Dsouza - Botanist and Horticulturist,
Daniel further ssid, " We are making progress, and I am quite pleased with the tree's root system and bark. However, as we are now in March and temperatures are increasing, it will be necessary to keep the tree cool using materials such as palm leaves,"