In a significant move toward preserving Bihar’s ecological and cultural legacy, the Bihar Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through Bihar Biodiversity Board, has shortlisted 32 trees across five districts — Buxar, Aurangabad, Munger, Jamui, and Bhagalpur — for designation as Biodiversity Heritage Trees. A senior Bihar Government officer shared that among these, 28 trees are estimated to be over 100 years old, with most remarkable being the majestic Banyan tree in Madanpur block of Aurangabad near Gaya, believed to be approximately 500 years old.
Selection of tree was made from an initial list of over 1,500 trees following rigorous field verification through various sources including the chain of elderly people. Detailed guidelines for heritage tree identification were issued to district collectors and divisional forest officers.
Criteria included tree age (typically more than three generations), historical or mythological significance, ecological uniqueness, endangered species status, or scientific value.
Final list features a diverse range of species: Banyan (12), Peepal (6), Pakad (3), Mahua (2), Neem (2), Khirni (1), Semal (2), Gular (1), Tamarind (1), Kalpavriksha (1), Kanak Champa (1). 500-year-old Banyan tree in Aurangabad stands as the oldest among them, while remaining trees range in age from 70 to over 100 years. To foster citizen engagement and ensure sustained protection, Bihar Government has also launched a ‘Bihar Heritage Tree App’. Through this digital platform individuals and local representatives can upload images and GPS-tagged details of notable trees in their locality, their district, neighborhood, panchayat, or block, along with GPS locations.
“If the information is verified and the tree is found to have unique significance, it will be considered for inclusion in the heritage list. Submissions that meet heritage criteria will be evaluated and potentially added to the official list. Nature not only sustains life but also preserves history. Some trees standing tall on the soil of Bihar are more than just trees—they are living witnesses to centuries of social, cultural, and natural legacy,” added the Bihar Government official.