The 207-year-old Banyan tree in Assam could soon be facing death due to the ravaging floods, which have not only disrupted human life but also killed hundreds of animals over the past two months.
This World Environment Day, locals of Bajali village in Assam, celebrated the tree's 207th birthday as it stands tall at 155 metres from the ground and is spread over five bighas.
Some experts also claim that the tree is the second oldest in the continent.
However, this could be the last birthday for the humble tree, according to a report in India Today. The floods this year have been unforgiving and have submerged the banyan tree up to most extent.
While the water has receded, the banks of Kaldia River are facing severe erosion and threatening the existence of the tree.
¡°More than one bigha of the land on which the banyan stands has been eroded. If things go on like this then soon the soil on which this historical tree stands will slip out, resulting in the sinking of grand Banyan.¡± Jatin Das, President, Jalikata Kolibari Shiv temple, told India Today.
The tree, located at Jalikhata village of Bajali subdivision in Barpeta district, is in grave need of conservation.
Seasonal floods have caused immense damage to the tree.
The tree is a symbol of human-nature love and conservation and holds traditional importance.