UP Declares 948 Trees As Living Heritage; Becomes India’s 1st State To Introduce This Initiative

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Uttar Pradesh has now declared 948 trees as living heritage. As part of conserving these trees, UP has become India’s first state to institutionalise the conservation and protection of heritage that is alive and breathing. These trees have witnessed several empires, faiths and everyday life over many years!  

UP Declares 948 Trees As ‘Living Heritage’ 

According to a report by The Times of India, in 2019, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath floated this idea during the state’s annual plantation drive. He directed officials to identify, verify and notify living heritage trees across forest and non-forest land in the state. The actual work began in 2020, after which the state released its first list of 948 trees. Reportedly, more trees will be added to the list once they meet the required criteria.

With these 948 trees notified as ‘heritage trees’, Uttar Pradesh has become the country’s first state to take such a step for conservation. It is definitely a first-of-its-kind framework. Under this system, the UP State Biodiversity Board (UPSBB) has the authority to declare heritage trees on non-forest land. On the other hand, trees on forest land fall under the jurisdiction of the forest department.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Plans A 1575 Km Metro Project With Major Expansions In Lucknow, Kanpur & Agra

How Are Heritage Trees Identified?

According to The Times of India, out of the 948 trees declared so far, only one,  an Adansonia tree in Barabanki, stands on forest land. The rest of the trees are located on community and public land. But how do authorities identify these trees? Reportedly, biodiversity management committees in districts send nominations for trees. These nominations are then vetted by divisional forest officers.

Apart from this, UPSBB has also roped in Lucknow University’s Institute of Wildlife Sciences (IWS) for a detailed field survey. Retired IFS officer AK Pant shared with The Times of India that these trees are not just trees; they are a living story. He also added that not every tree made the final cut. The primary criterion is age. The tree must be at least 100 years old or must have survived across four human generations.

Also Read: At ₹50, Chennai’s New Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage Bus Makes City Sightseeing Affordable

This is definitely a first-of-its-kind initiative to protect these trees. What are your thoughts on this? Do share them with us!

Cover Image Courtesy: @satoverma/X