107-year-old banyan tree's birthday celebrated; novel step towards environmental awareness

Madurai/Karur (Tamil Nadu): At a time when giant trees are being felled in the name of development, a unique and meaningful event aimed at raising environmental awareness took place in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Nature lovers and school students colorfully celebrated the birthday of a 107-year-old banyan tree in Sellur, Madurai.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent Karur district, a 200-year-old massive banyan tree collapsed, damaging two vehicles.

Grand celebration with cake cutting and lamp decorations!

The 'Green Nature Festival' was organized on Sellur-Kulamangalam Road in the Meenakshipuram area of Madurai, in collaboration with the 'Water Bodies Protection Movement' and various public trusts. Led by the movement's founder Abubakar, the event saw active participation from students and locals.

The tree was decorated with lights, and students cut a cake and shared sweets with one another. After taking an environmental protection pledge, students were distributed free notebooks and saplings by the organizers. A birthday celebration for this banyan tree has been held annually in this area since 2019 to spread awareness against tree felling.

Previously, at least seven century-old banyan trees in this area were felled for road widening and park construction. This tree is currently the only surviving century-old banyan tree in the vicinity.

Serving as a sanctuary for hundreds of birds including crows, pigeons, and cuckoos, the tree currently faces multiple threats. Environmentalists have urged strict action to prevent damage to the tree caused by people burning garbage dumped at its base, electricity department personnel cutting branches claiming they obstruct power lines, and noise pollution from firecrackers set off during festivals.

In a separate incident, a 200-year-old massive banyan tree suddenly collapsed in the Kulithalai area of Karur district. Fortuitously, no casualties were reported in the incident, though two vehicles parked under the tree were completely damaged.