In a major respite to nature lovers in Coimbatore, 51 trees have been identified by the district administration for transplantation, rather than going under the axe, of which six were transplanted inside the Rathinam Education Institutions at Eachanari Road on Friday.

While six trees were transplanted today, the remaining 45 trees could be transplanted after people offer land for the process. Pollachi sub collector B Gayathri Krishnan said that, around 2,200 trees are to be cut down, of which only 51 were identified as transplantable.

“We have to first see whether the tree could be transplanted based on its age and size. Larger trees should be treated for three weeks as we have to wait till new leaves sprout after the branches are cut. Only then they could be transplanted,” she said.

She added that with the public offering spaces to accommodate trees, transplanting would be completed at the earliest, as lack of space was a major problem. Claiming that the transplanting would cost around Rs 7,000, including labour charges and watering, the sub collector also added that officials were trying to complete the process without private monetary sponsorship.

“We had planned to plant 25,000 saplings as an alternative and have received space approval for 15,000 saplings from private parties. If more come forward, the remaining 7,000 saplings can also be planted soon,” she informed.

However, Pravin Shanmughanand of Pollachi Papyrus eco-tourism magazine, who is involved in transplanting, claimed that only a proper action plan would help in the quick completion of the process. “We appreciate the good work done by the district administration, yet a collective effort from all departments and NGOs based on an effective action plan could give lease of life to more trees,” said Pravin. He also requested public and educational institutions to come forward to offer lands for the saplings.