This story is from July 11, 2016

PM's Mann Ki Baat to save iconic tree of Jhusi in Allahabad

The pitiable condition of the huge tree, called ‘Baba shaik ped’ or ‘hathi ka pawn’, on the Jhusi side of Ganga, would soon be a thing of the past. An inquiry by someone from Mahoba, in the programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, has changed the fate of this neglected tree when the caller asked the Prime Minister about this tree and another of this kind in Mahoba, UP.
PM's Mann Ki Baat to save iconic tree of Jhusi in Allahabad
The iconic tree which is also known as ‘Baba shaik ped’ or ‘hathi ka pawn’ will be taken under the wing of Botanical Survey of India to preserve it.
Key Highlights
  • The tree is 1000 years old and is worshipped by both Muslims and Hindus.
  • The tree's condition has become pitiable due to aggravated use of its parts which have medicinal value.
  • A caller from Mahoba inquired about the tree on 'Mann Ki Baat' programme and the PMO intervened to take care of this tree.
ALLAHABAD: The pitiable condition of the huge tree, called ‘Baba shaik ped’ or ‘hathi ka pawn’, on the Jhusi side of Ganga, would soon be a thing of the past. An inquiry by someone from Mahoba, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme ‘Mann ki baat’, has changed the fate of this neglected tree when the caller asked the PM about it and another of this kind in Mahoba, UP.
Following this, the PMO stepped in and instructed the BSI (Botanical survey of India) to send the status report of this tree which is worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims alike.
This ‘one of its kind’ tree is over 1000 years old. Followers of Shaik Taqi, whose Maazar (tomb) is located beside the tree, believes that the tree was planted by Saiyid-Sadar-ul-Haq Taqi-ud-din Muhammad Abdul Akbar popularly called as Baba Shaik Taqi. The story goes that Shaik Taqi had placed his ‘datoon’, (twig used as tooth brush) upside down on the ground which later developed as the tree. The Sufi saint was born in Jhusi in 1320 and died in 1384.
However, the tree, also called by the name ‘Vilaiti Imli’ by some locals, is dying a slow death. In the first look, the huge tree looks healthy, but the large sized trunk, which in itself looks unique, is hollow from one side. The mud, which could have held the strong roots, which goes a long way horizontally, of the tree are also losing ground as many people dug and take away the mud for it is considered auspicious.
Likewise, the bark and flower of the tree is also used for stomach related troubles. For its medicinal value, people have scratched the roots and the trunk at several places thereby damaging the tree. Following the intervention of PMO, BS sought the help of Center for Social Forestry and Eco Rehabilitation (CSFER) and scientists from both the institutes inspected the tree and have sent a report to the PMO about ways to conserve the tree.
“The tree, botanical name being ‘adansonia digitata’, is also found in Barabanki and Mohaba in UP, and is over 1000 years old but because of soil erosion the roots are exposed and as it is located at the slope. It can fall anytime," said a scientist of CSFER, Dr Kumud Dubey. We have recommended an immediate anti-fungal and anti-termite treatment and a platform be constructed around it, she added.
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About the Author
Rajiv Mani

Rajiv Mani, senior correspondent at The Times of India, Allahabad, writes on higher education in the city. The institutions covered by him include Allahabad University and its 11 constituent colleges, and Allahabad Medical College. Apart from reading books, he is also fond of pets, gardening, photography, travelling and meeting people from all sections of society.

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