A Banyan that was

What cutting of one tree in Banaras tells us?

Few days ago, the newspapers talked of one particular tree that fell. A Banyan in Banaras. Large number of people expressed anguish and some also considered it a harbinger of bad times for the town.

Perplexed, I wondered what bad omen meant for a town ravaged by Covid? Amidst the pandemic driven chaos Banaras has, during the past few weeks, been witness to corpses lined up outside crematoriums and floating on river waters. And also, why one particular tree got the attention it did? Especially given that, around the same time, the news from the Capital, talked of treed avenues being destroyed. Of the uprooting and probable relocation of around 400 trees - including Jamun and Neem – some of those aging around 100 (years).

A Banyan still standing (representative image from elsewhere)

Image Credits: Dharmendra Khandal 

The tree under discussion was the Akshay Vat - the indestructible Banyan tree. Only 2 such trees now remain - one at Gaya and the other at Allahabad. It had stood abutting the Hanuman temple in the Kashi Vishwanath precincts.

The tree fell down on account of the ongoing construction – demolition work. This for the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project – ironically a beautification project. Yet another example of how ‘development’ stands for little other than ’cement’ and ’concrete’ today! The Mahant’s family had earlier received a written assurance that due care would be taken of the tree. They now allege gross negligence by the authorities. Some people have complained while others have called out deceit.

This is not the only tree in the temple precincts to have suffered this fate. During 2018 a Peepal – estimated to be around 150 years of age - was cut. Then too some people had protested. RTI enquiries had revealed that neither the forest department not the Nagar Nigam had given permission!

Let us take a look at the context in which this has taken place and what this possibly means -

Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most venerated temples in the country. One where both locals and the tourists queue up for darsan around the year. It is also in the spotlight given its chequered history. Last month the court ordered an archaeological survey of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Gyanvapi mosque premises to resolve a lingering dispute involving the 2 shrines.

Peepal and Banyan are 2 species revered since ages. Our ancient texts sing praises in their favour and they continue to stand tall at many of our places of worship. Even today it is not uncommon to come across people worship these species. Demand for medical oxygen during recent weeks too has led to these species being discussed and re-discussed - albeit in a different context.

Add to these the mahual in our country today. People, especially in groups, can do a lot in the name of religion including get aggressive and violent. Select traditions and cultural practices appear to have a clear priority over lot else. We also have slogans that leave no space for doubt in this context, including this one – Ayodhya was just the beginning, Banaras (read Kashi Vishwanath!) it is next! All of this, of course, receives unabashed support and patronage on the political front.

And yet, despite all these, the Banyan is gone.

What all would it have taken to save the Banyan? Basic precautions and a degree of sensitivity which trees warrant in such situations. Resources were surely not an issue. In other words, little else was required besides intentions. But this appears to be too much to ask – for we seem to have made our motives clear. We are least bothered about our trees.

This is indeed a bad sign for both – our present and future - and not just in Banaras.