Bhubaneswar: A 200-year-old banyan tree standing outside Lingaraj Road Station faces a grim future as railway modernization efforts under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme proceed. Despite its age and excellent condition, the tree has already lost a significant portion of its canopy to accommodate the construction of a new two-story building touted as an “Eco-friendly Green Building Structure.”
The current site plan indicates further risks to the tree. A demarcation line was observed near its base during a recent visit, suggesting potential damage or complete removal to make way for the station’s boundary wall. Experts and activists argue that the wall could easily be built around the tree, preserving its ecological and cultural significance.
Anil Dhir, Convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Chapter, highlighted the irony of the situation. “The tree could have been integrated into the design, with its canopy extending to the platform, creating a unique blend of heritage and modernity. Instead, its destruction looms large,” he said.
INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Chapter has been actively documenting and mapping heritage trees across Ekamrakhestra, the sacred old town area of Bhubaneswar. Collaborating with experts from OUAT and Utkal University’s Botany Department, the group has identified over 250 trees exceeding 100 years in age, primarily banyan and peepal trees. Volunteers, including members of the INTACH Heritage Club from institutions like Centurion University, are aiding this initiative.
Advocates like Dhir have called for Odisha to adopt policies akin to Maharashtra’s heritage tree conservation plan. Enacted in 2021, Maharashtra’s policy protects trees older than 50 years, deeming them “historic trees.” The framework includes a tree census, guidelines for preservation, penalties for illegal felling, and the formation of a state tree authority.
Dhir also pointed to the ecological aftermath of earlier tree-cutting projects in Bhubaneswar, such as the Ekamrakhestra Beautification Plan. Over 150 trees were felled near the Lingaraj Temple, contributing to reduced natural lightning protection for nearby structures. On July 15, 2023, lightning strikes damaged 14 temples in the old town, including the Dadhineuti of the Rameswar Temple and the Lingaraj Temple itself.
INTACH has formally urged the railway authorities to halt any construction that endangers the banyan tree. The organization has also written to the Odisha government, pressing for legislation to grant heritage status and protected status to all trees exceeding 50 years of age.
As the modernization project advances, activists hope that authorities will prioritize ecological preservation alongside urban development, ensuring that Bhubaneswar’s natural heritage is not sacrificed in the name of progress.