How many of us are aware that India is home to Banyan trees with globally superlative stature which go by the Latin name “Ficus Benghalensis”. Being a native of our country, these benevolent Banyan trees have been pampered, patronised, respected, appreciated and even worshipped for 1000s of years in the Indian subcontinent. Yet the Highway authorities are determined on “demolishing and destroying” the last Boulevard of Banyans at Chevella.
A magnificent row of ancient trees that line the Chevella-Vikarabad Road, about 50km east of Hyderabad in Telangana, are a testament to nature’s endurance and beauty on duty. These grandfather-grandmother trees, some of which are more than 100 years old, have long provided shade, shelter, environmental deliverance and ecological balance to the region. Spanning nearly 10 kilometres, this historic avenue is considered the longest stretches of surviving big Banyan trees in India.
However, due to the expansion of the highway, many of these trees are at risk of being cut down, prompting conservationists and locals alike to rally for their protection. Each Banyan tree has been Geo-tagged for easy identification, Checklist of nearly 100 birds have been garnered that thrive in this Boulevard of Banyans. So far 64,327 signatures-to-save have been harvested.
Even multiple campaigns have been conducted on a regular basis and name the stretch on National Highway-163, as the Telangana Biodiversity Heritage Road. Led by the core team of the Cam.