Centuries-old tamarind tree near Chevella faces threat of extinction
Hyderabad: A centuries-old Tamarind tree that has provided shelter to hundreds of families is now at risk of being lost forever, in Damaragidda, near Chevella in Telangana. The tree, known for its heritage and healing properties, is facing serious threats as local authorities appear to be neglecting its preservation.
The Vata Foundation, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation, along with concerned citizens, has raised issues over the tree's deteriorating condition and is urging Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to intervene before it's too late. The tree, which has stood as a symbol of heritage for generations, is described as a "Healing Tamarind Tree," offering shade and solace to the community for hundreds of years.
In a post on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), the Vata Foundation highlighted the ongoing damage to the tree, revealing that it has been continuously trimmed over the past few months, with up to 40% of its branches being cut. The base of the tree has also been obstructed with debris and concrete, putting its life in further jeopardy.
The foundation’s post reads, “#Telangana is most likely losing this centuries-old Healing Tamarind tree located in Damaragidda, near Chevella. This heritage-class tree belongs to everyone and needs to be saved. We have brought it to the attention of the authorities, including @TelanganaCMO and @revanth_anumula, but so far, no concrete action has been taken to protect it. Over the last couple of months, the tree has been further damaged, and it is only a matter of time before it perishes unless urgent measures are taken.”
The Vata Foundation’s plea for action highlights the tree’s potential as a significant tourism attraction for the region, which could bring benefits to the entire village. Despite its importance, however, the tree has received little attention from the relevant authorities.
The foundation’s message continues, “Saving fully grown trees should be a priority for our leaders, yet it seems to be one of the least concerns of the authorities. Why do we protect our personal assets but not our national heritage? The time to #SaveFullyGrownTrees was yesterday, but we have not woken up yet.”
As the situation grows more dire, the Vata Foundation and citizens of the region are calling on Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to intervene and take immediate action to save this historic tree before it becomes just another casualty of neglect. The tree’s survival could not only protect an important natural heritage but also become a beacon for eco-tourism in the region.
The Vata Foundation has documented the tree under its #TheBigTreeQuest initiative, but without intervention from the state government, they fear it may soon be lost forever.