Indian army successfully executed the replanting of a more than CENTURY old fully grown uprooted banyan tree at Sahapur Military Camp.

Indian army successfully executed the  replanting of a more than CENTURY old fully grown uprooted banyan tree at Sahapur Military Camp, Kolkata on 04 September 2024. The noble task was carried by Territorial Army under the aegis of Hq Eastern Command.

During heavy rain and high speed winds on 05 August 24, a huge mango tree had uprooted at Sahapur Military Camp damaging the nearby structures. However, considering the importance of trees and maintaining ecological balance, Indian Army in association with MITHRI MITTI  organisation began exploring  ways to replant the tree giving a second life to the ‘GREEN VETERAN’. A mammoth synchronized  effort was undertaken in association with MITHRI MITTI  organisation on 01 September 2024 to  rejuvenate and replant the tree at the same place.

Despite considerable 

effort of more than 12 hours, the tree trunk got separated from the root ball due to long years of decay, rendering it completely life less and unfit for survival. Notwithstanding the  initial setback and committed to the ethos of Indian Army of not giving up and preserving the green cover, alternate means were explored to use this space to replant any other uprooted tree. 

Finally, more than a century old uprooted Banyan tree weighing more than 20 tons was identified and transported using two cranes and a big flat bed truck, to the desired place in  coordination with several civil agencies from CIT Road, near Sealdah in Kolkata.

The collaborative execution by troops of Indian Army’s Territorial Army and Corps of Engineers and Mithri Mitti team began on night of 03 and 04 September 2024 to prepare this location and replant the tree ensuring fulfilling of all safety parameters including preparation of soil. After more than 16 hours of  synergetic actions, the century old Banyan Tree was replanted giving it a second home and second life.

The coordinated efforts between Indian Army and Civil Society for revival of uprooted age old tree has now become a symbol of inclusive approach to save the ecosystem in a world grappling with various environmental challenges.