In a world where development often trumps nature, 38-year-old Ramachandra from Hyderabad has proven that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of greenery. Over the past decade, he has rescued more than 1.5 lakh trees through the rare and challenging process of tree translocation—a method that moves trees from one place to another without cutting them down.
It all began when Ramachandra saw trees being cut during highway construction. Heartbroken and helpless, he decided to act. Leaving behind a stable job in insurance, he pursued his true calling—saving trees. Despite facing skepticism, financial risks, and even threats, his passion never wavered.
Today, Ramachandra runs Green Morning Horticulture Services Pvt. Ltd., a Hyderabad-based company specializing in tree translocation. From Hyderabad’s Metro corridors to flyovers in Delhi, his team has carefully uprooted and replanted trees, one root at a time.
How Tree Translocation Works:
- Pruning: 80% of the tree’s branches and leaves are trimmed.
- Trenching: A trench is dug around the tree, adjusted to its age.
- Root Treatment: Roots are chemically treated and wrapped in gunny bags to form a secure “root ball.”
- Uplifting: Cranes lift the tree onto trailers for transportation.
- Replanting: The tree is placed in a chemical-treated pit at its new location.
This ancient technique has roots dating back to 2000 BC Egypt, and although modern India is only recently embracing it, Ramachandra is among the few turning awareness into action. Governments and corporations are now recognizing the value of this process, thanks to pioneers like him who champion nature while respecting urban growth.
Before founding his company, Ramachandra earned a Master’s in Agriculture and an MBA in Agri Business. But when he landed a bank job, he felt disconnected from his roots—quite literally. “Eight years of agriculture studies, then working in finance… it didn’t feel right,” he reflects. So, he quit the job, choosing passion over comfort.
His work isn’t just technical—it’s deeply emotional. “Trees are cut every day. We need more people to step up. The future depends on it,” he urges. Ramachandra’s story reminds us that one person can make a difference—with heart, grit, and a shovel full of hope.