Legendary banyan tree at Jyotisar to get new lease of life

Nitish Sharma

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Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, March 2

The legendary banyan tree, at Jyotisar, which is believed to be an offshoot of the one under which Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Bhagvad Gita to Arjuna during the Mahabharata, is set to get a new lease of life.

Following the suggestion of the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, and the directions of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), around six fancy lights, which were fitted with nails and wires on the tree for light and sound programme, have been removed.

However, the tree still has a net on top and a marble pavement at the bottom which is the major cause of concern. Due to this, the tree has not been able to grow proper branches. 

KDB Chief Executive Officer Dr Pooja Bharti said: “Following the suggestions of the Forest Research Institute, lights, nails and wires have been removed. The institute’s team is working for the restoration of the legendary tree.”

On the removal of net and marble pavement, she said: “A team of the FRI will visit again and further steps will be taken according to their suggestions.” She said alternate arrangements had been made for light and sound programme.

Dharmpal, an employee of the Tourism Department, said: “We got directions from the KDB to remove lights, wires and nails and they have been removed. But, it will not have any impact on the show as separate stands have been placed nearly 10 feet away from the tree.”

The light and sound programme was started in 2002.  Green Earth, a non-government organisation (NGO), has sought the status of National Cultural Heritage for the tree.

NGO member Naresh Bhardwaj said: “As per the observation of the experts, the tree is not being treated for pests and diseases, periodically. Pilgrims offer oil to the tree which accelerates the growth of bacteria and fungus, causing toxic effects to the roots.”

He said last year, they had written to the Prime Minister, Union Minister of Culture, Director General of the Archeological Survey of India, Governor and the Chief Minister, and appealed to them to declare the tree as National Cultural Heritage.  “We are yet to hear anything from them in this regard. A committee, comprising zoologists, botanists and environmentalists should be constituted to monitor the health of the tree on regular intervals,” he added.