INTACH raises concerns over Lingaraj Road Station expansion, urges protection of historic Banyan Tree

Bhubaneswar, Nov 19: A 200-year-old banyan tree, located near the Lingaraj Road railway station, is at risk of destruction due to the ongoing expansion plans under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. The proposed construction near the historic tree has raised alarm among conservationists, with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) calling for urgent action to safeguard the ecological heritage of the area.

Anil Dhir, Convener of INTACH Bhubaneswar, voiced concerns over the construction work, which threatens the roots and canopy of the ancient banyan tree. He questioned the commitment of the "Eco-friendly Green Building" project, highlighting the potential environmental damage. INTACH has called on the railway authorities to take immediate steps to protect the tree, including the proposal of constructing a boundary wall around the tree to shield it from the construction activities.

This issue comes on the heels of previous concerns regarding the indiscriminate felling of trees during the beautification of Ekamrakhestra, an area near the Lingaraj Temple. The tree felling led to unforeseen consequences, including an increased number of lightning strikes on historic temples in the region.

In response to these ongoing ecological threats, INTACH has launched a project to document 250 heritage trees in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. The project is being supported by experts from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Utkal University, who are helping to assess the historical and environmental value of these trees.

Conservationist Biswajit Mohanty has suggested that Odisha should adopt a law similar to Maharashtra's Heritage Tree Act, which protects trees older than 50 years. INTACH has reiterated its call for similar legislation in Odisha to prevent the destruction of valuable natural heritage and ensure the protection of the state's historical and ecological assets for future generations.

The call for action underscores the growing concern among conservationists over the balance between development and environmental preservation in Bhubaneswar, a city known for its rich cultural and ecological heritage.