UP Declares Living Heritage: Trees Get Official Protection

Uttar Pradesh has pioneered a unique conservation effort by designating 948 ancient trees as 'heritage trees,' marking the first time India has an institutionalized program for protecting living natural landmarks. These venerable trees, some standing for centuries, are now officially recognized and slated for conservation and propagation.

The state implemented a detailed framework in 2019 to identify, verify, and notify these heritage trees, with groundwork commencing in 2020. The UP State Biodiversity Board and the forest department share jurisdiction, with most of the notified trees found on community and public lands, underscoring decades of local care.

Identification involved district nominations, vetting by forest officials, and comprehensive field surveys by Lucknow University's Institute of Wildlife Sciences. Trees were documented not only botanically but also culturally, recording folklore and historical significance. The primary criterion was age (at least 100 years), with a notable exception for a Peepal tree at Sarnath due to its significant spiritual lineage.

Notable heritage trees include a 1,300-year-old Parijaat tree near Prayagraj, mentioned by Hiuen Tsang, and a tamarind tree in Fatehpur from which freedom fighters were hanged in 1858. The program also recognizes trees linked to mythology and history, such as those in Vrindavan and associated with the Ramayana. While Peepal and Banyan trees dominate the list, 28 different species have been recorded.

To further promote conservation, Uttar Pradesh has established heritage tree gardens in 11 districts and plans to develop several sites as eco-tourism destinations. The initiative emphasizes community and public spaces, acknowledging that history, in this case, continues to grow.