A 700-year-old banyan tree in Telangana that has been a tourist attraction for decades is finally on the road to recovery after being on the 'deathbed' for close to an year. The ‘Pillalamarri’ tree that stretches over three acres is in Mahbubanagar town. Every day, the tree would attract close to 500 visitors from across the country who would reach the town only to click pictures or have a picnic at the site.
Since December, the area has been out of bounds for the general public as forest department officials intensified treatments to make the Pillalamarri healthier after its health declined earlier in 2017. It was noticed that termites had attacked the tree, and at some places, the tree was drying up as there was inadequate water supply to the roots.
“Through multiple treatments, we wanted to improve the condition of the tree,” said Mahbubnagar District Forest Officer, Chukka Gangi Reddy. “We drilled holes on the tree at various places and injected water mixed with chemicals. This treatment has stopped and the termites are under control. We have placed its roots inside pipes and directed it in such a way that they go deep inside the soil and get strong.”
The officials are also giving mechanical support, so that the branches do not fall off.
The local tourism department officials have now decided to permanently erect barricades, so that the tourists do not damage the Pillalamarri.
“Though the health of the tree has improved drastically, we do not want to take any chances. In a month, we will let tourists see the tree, but not touch it. This will extend the life of the tree as tourists are known to throw waste or break the branches,” informed S. Panduranga, a district tourism officer.