Green crusaders see red as 200-yr-old tree faces the axe

Chandrakant Nakhate,whose family claims ownership of the trees,said the tree was planted by his forefathers along with a spiritual leader Dhangarbaba,who belonged to the shepherd community. After the death of the Dhangarbaba,a temple was built by the locals,who held the Dhangarbaba in high esteem. “When I was seven-eight years old,my father told me stories that revolved around the trees. He told me to preserve the tree as it was planted by our ancestors,” said 43-year-old Nakhate,who has decided to meet municipal commissioner Asheesh Sharma and impress upon him the need to save the tree. Suggesting that there several ways to ensure that the tree remains,Nakhate said,“I am not rushing forth because the tree is like a family member for us. The tree is an integral part of the road where citizens find peace of mind. It adds dignity to the road.”

Pravin Rayate,a civic activist,said instead of cutting down the tree,it could well become an more attractive spot with proper fencing and setting up of a fountain. “The tree has acquired a religious significance as people worship it practically every day,” he said. Hemant Nahata of Harit Kranti Sanghatana said the PCMC should apply the same technique it did on the Pune-Mumbai highway. “All the trees have been saved on the highway as the road has been constructed around them. So why can’t they do the same to save this popular tree?” he said.

When contacted,PCMC garden superintendent Suresh Salunkhe said his department has been told to remove 544 trees from Kalewadi to Dehu Road,but he would certainly make efforts to save the 200-year-old tree.

“After inspecting the spot where the tree is located,I will see what can be done. We will try out best to save the tree,” he said.