This ACP’s unofficial beat includes saving trees too!

In the heart of Hyderabad, a traffic police officer is making an impact beyond his official duties — saving trees from being felled. Assistant commissioner of police G Shankar Raju, a veteran in the city's traffic department, is spearheading efforts to translocate fully grown trees threatened by road expansion and urban development.
His latest initiative involves relocating two Peltophorum trees, aged 15 to 20 years, from Mayuri Marg to Hyderabad Public School. "The decision came after the branches of the trees extended onto the road, posing risks to commuters and worsening congestion in the high-traffic area, particularly with the presence of multiple schools nearby. Instead of cutting them down, we are giving them a second chance to thrive," ACP Raju said.
A similar effort is underway for two more Peltophorum trees in Patny, which are set to be moved to Mehboob Degree College, Secunderabad, pending final approvals from the forest department and college authorities.
For ACP Raju, this mission is about more than just relocating trees — it's about preserving Hyderabad's green heritage. "Urban development often comes at the cost of greenery, but we can find a balance. These trees take decades to grow, and with the right approach, we can save them instead of losing them forever," he said.
This isn't his first tree-saving endeavour. A few years ago, he facilitated the translocation of a tree near Afzal Gunj police station as part of a road expansion project.
Partnering with him in this effort is Uday Krishna, founder of the Vata Foundation, an organisation dedicated to tree translocation and conservation. The foundation has successfully moved nearly 2,000 trees across the country and had also funded the Afzal Gunj tree relocation.
"Tree translocation is a viable alternative to urban deforestation," Krishna explained.
"Many assume trees must be cut for development, but with the right techniques, they can be relocated and continue to grow." He further emphasised that translocation is a delicate process, involving careful uprooting, transportation, and replanting under monitored conditions. "The best time for this is between June and Jan when cooler temperatures improve survival rates," he added.
ACP Raju's commitment stands as a testament to how individual efforts can shape a greener, more sustainable city — one tree at a time.