Morning walkers at Raman Thangal Lake in Sholinganallur are met with a disheartening sight: rows of dead trees where vibrant foliage was expected . Over a year has passed since nearly 95 trees,primarily mature specimens, were transplanted by the Highways Department to accommodate road widening along East Coast Road (ECR) between Akkarai and Thiruvanmiyur. The transplantation took place between March and May 2025,but the outcome has been far from successful.
A recent inspection revealed that the relocated trees show no signs of life,with lifeless trunks standing in stark contrast to the lush environment surrounding the lake. The absence of fresh leaves,shoots, or any new growth suggests that the majority of these trees have succumbed to the stress of transplantation .
Tree transplantation is often seen as a necessary compromise in infrastructure projects,aiming to mitigate environmental impact of removing mature trees. However, experts argue that without proper aftercare, the chances of survival diminish significantly . T.D. Babu,a representative from the Chennai-based environmental organization Nizhal,expressed concern over the situation, stating,“The place has become a graveyard of trees.” He noted that the location,adjacent to a waterbody,should have provided adequate moisture, yet the trees remain barren.
Transplanting trees can inflict severe stress, as a substantial portion of their root systems is often damaged during the process. Following relocation,trees require careful monitoring and a regimen of growth promoters,anti-fungal treatments,organic manure,and consistent watering to thrive . Babu emphasized the need for diligent maintenance, particularly through the challenging summer months,stating, “They should be monitored until they put out new leaves.”
Environmentalists are advocating for District Green Committee to conduct regular assessments of tree transplantation initiatives . They stress the importance of accountability,urging that agencies responsible for the care of transplanted trees be held liable for any failures resulting from inadequate maintenance. In response to the situation, an official from the Highways Department acknowledged the concerns and indicated that issue would be addressed.
