Summary: Bihar’s First-Ever Heritage Tree Initiative
1. Bihar to Honor 14 Ancient
- Trees as Heritage Trees
For the first time, the state will officially recognize 14 trees—aged between 70 to 250 years—as Heritage Trees. These are located across Jamui, Buxar, Munger, and Bhagalpur.
2. Oldest Tree Is 500 Years Old but Not Yet Included
- A stunning 500-year-old banyan tree in Aurangabad stands out for its massive spread and 50+ hanging roots. But since it’s on public, not government, land—it’s awaiting clearance for inclusion.
3. Multiple Tree Types Chosen for Their Ecological Value
- The heritage list includes banyan, peepal, neem, mahua, tamarind, and other native trees. These are all on government land and were picked for their age, size, and role in the environment.
4. Trees Help Wildlife and Local Communities
- These trees are more than just old—they provide shelter to birds, shade to people, and help maintain soil and air quality. Officials say their preservation is key for a greener future.
5. More Trees Could Join the List Soon
- The Biodiversity Board has marked 18 more trees, but they’re on private or public property. Once no-objection certificates are received, these will also be declared as heritage trees.
For the first time, Bihar is set to officially recognize 14 ancient trees as Heritage Trees. These trees, aged between 70 and 250 years, are located across the districts of Jamui, Buxar, Munger, and Bhagalpur.
The Oldest Tree Is 500 Years Old
While 14 trees have made the final list, the oldest tree in the state is a massive 500-year-old banyan tree in Aurangabad. It covers nearly one bigha of land and has grown more than 50 secondary roots from its branches. However, this tree is located on public property, not government land. So, it hasn’t been included in the first list. Once the no-objection certificate is received, it will also be declared a heritage tree.
Tree Types and Locations
The 14 trees selected so far include:
- 3 Banyan trees (बरगद)
- Peepal tree (पीपल)
- Kanak Champa (कनक चंपा)
- Silk cotton tree (शेमल)
- Neem (नीम)
- Pakad (पाकड़)
- Mahua (महुआ)
- Tamarind (ईमली)
- Gular (गुलड़)
All these trees are located on government land, which made their immediate inclusion possible.
| Tree Type | Age Range | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Banyan (Jamui) | ~250 years | Jamui |
| Peepal | ~150 years | Bhagalpur |
| Neem | ~100 years | Buxar |
| Mahua | ~120 years | Munger |
| Tamarind | ~200 years | Bhagalpur |
| Others | 70–250 years | Multiple locations |
From 1500 to 14: How Were They Selected?
The Bihar Biodiversity Board initially identified around 1500 old trees across the state. After field inspections and expert evaluations, only 14 trees were selected in the first phase.
Officials say these trees were chosen based on:
- Age
- Ecological value
- Location (on government land)
- Importance for birds and biodiversity
- Ability to provide shade and regulate the environment
These trees are more than just old—they are essential to the local ecosystem. They serve as resting and nesting spots for birds, offer shade to people, and protect the soil.
More Trees May Be Added Soon
In addition to the 14 approved trees, 18 more have been shortlisted. However, they are either on private land or public spaces. Before they can be declared heritage trees, the state must obtain no-objection certificates from landowners or local authorities.
Once permissions are cleared, these trees will also be included under the heritage category.
Why This Matters
In recent years, the number of such large, old trees has dropped across Bihar. Rapid urbanization, road development, and land-use changes have led to their decline. With this new initiative, Bihar is taking a strong step toward preserving its green heritage.
“These trees are not just part of our environment—they are part of our history,” said a senior officer from the Biodiversity Board. “By declaring them heritage trees, we aim to protect them for future generations.”
This move by the Bihar government is a landmark decision in the fight to preserve biodiversity and cultural history. With more trees likely to be added in the coming months, this initiative can become a model for other states to follow.
