Tree sculptor shifts base to forest area near Sukhna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8

A fine arts teacher, who had been turning dead trees in the city into sculptures before being stopped by the MC, has now started infusing life into dead wood in the forest area near Sukhna Lake.

“I have started carrying out the work on a trial basis in the forest area. I have already converted one dead tree into a sculpture. I met with a mishap at work and have taken a break for the time being,” said Tulsi Ram Prajapati, a government school teacher.

The MC had stopped Prajapati from continuing his artistic work on dried-up trees last month. He had been making sculptures on trees for over a month and his work was being appreciated by people.

A month ago, he had sought permission from the corporation to resume his art. However, the MC has not responded to his request so far.

Mayor Davesh Moudgil said, “I had marked his letter to the MC Commissioner and asked him to explore the possibility of giving him the permission. Allowing beatification of dead and dried-up trees by shortening their height should not be an issue.”

Prajapati had carved out sculptures on eight dead trees on the Vigyan Path near Rock Garden and Sector 8 before the MC halted his drive. He had made sculptures on various social issues like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and crime against minor girls.

“My work is purely artistic and done only on dead trees. It will not harm any living tree. The authorities can also put up these trees on display at tourist spots or government departments,” added the 35-year-old Faridabad native.