207-year-old banyan tree in Bajali submerged by Kaldia river water due to incessant rain

A Correspondent

Pathsala: In Assam, the 207 years old banyan tree located at Jalikhata village of Bajali subdivision in Barpeta district is believed to be one of the largest living trees in Asia. The tree is now submerged by flood. The incessant rain for last few days following surging river water of Kaldia is posing serious threat of flood. The Kalibari Siva Than at Jalikhata which have been constructed alongside the ancient banyan tree has totally been submerged by the river water of Kaldia.

The Kaldia river water is flowing over the embankment and a portion have been washed away and the entire Kalibari Siva Than area has been submerged where Shiva temple was constructed. The current of flood water poses serious threat to the ancient tree which is nearly 207 years old.

The people have been demanding to save the tree from the flood water of Kaldia river for a long time and due to lack of proper measure the tree is under the threat of flood water yet again.

The locals claim that the tree is one of the oldest in Asia and it covers around five bighas of land and is of 155 metres in height. The tree is one of the major points of attraction for the visitors, especially students of various educational institutions of the State for project work and they have been celebrating the tree’s birthday on World Environment Day since 2012 to bring awareness about its deteriorating condition.

Few days back the nature lovers of the area had celebrated the 207th birthday of the tree. Ananda Khataniar, brand ambassador of Forest and Environment department disclosed that he has already informed the matter to the deputy commissioner and higher officials to take immediate anti-erosion measure to save the tree at any cost.

“We believe that this banyan tree is also the oldest tree in the region. The tree is not only important because of the conservation point of view but also due to traditional beliefs. So the authorities should take proper steps to save the tree at any cost,” said some of the people of the area. There is a tremendous social relevance of the banyan tree to the local people.

Also read: 200-year old banyan tree in Bajali faces erosion threat