Karwar: The Forest Department undertook the transplantation of 60 trees which were supposed to be cut off for the widening of National Highway-66 (Mangaluru-Mumbai Road).

Some of these trees were moved to Ravindranath Tagore beach in the city from the deputy commissioner office premises. It is estimated that around 100 trees come along the way of road widening and needed to be cut off. These trees were planted there just a few years ago and to avoid their destruction the Forest department undertook this operation.

While 60 trees have been successfully transplanted, the remaining 40 are also said to be shifted to the Ravindranath Tagore beach area soon.

Due to the four-lining of the roads, a lot of destruction has been caused as over 14,000 trees were cut off from Bhatkal to the Majali village near Karwar. To stop deforestation, the department has decided to transplant nearly 100 trees.

The drive seems to be a success and at this rate, the department is thinking of taking up more such drives in the future days.

The DFO of Karwar, Ganapathi Naik said, " As of now, we have transplanted around 60 trees. Within couple of days, we will shift another 40 trees. We are even thinking of transplanting coconut trees from the DC office compound to beach-side. We are chalking out plans for the same.”