Finally, efforts to save Bhagwad Gita banyan tree on

KURUKSHETRA: With the National Green Tribunal cracking its whip, the district administration has finally sprung to action and begun efforts to save the 5,000-year-old banyan tree under which Lord Krishana is believed to have delivered the Bhagwad Gita.
Kurukshetra Development Board has begun iron grill fencing around the tree to prevent people from performing rituals near it.Devotees would also not be allowed to light lamps, incense sticks and tie holy threads around the tree.
Taking cognizance of a petition filed by environmentalist M C Mehta through his NGO, the NGT had ordered the district administration to preserve the oldest tree and remove marble and concrete paving that was considered harmful for its natural growth on May 19.
Concerned over the waning health of the tree, the NGT had issued a notice to deputy commissioner, Kurukshetra and sought a report on steps taken to preserve it. It observed that the tree was dying slow death.
Notably, there have been instances when the banyan tree's branches have caught fire due to lighting of lamps around it. Apart from this, people dig out sand from around the holy tree to take along. The grills will prevent that too.
The banyan tree is believed to be only living relic from the Mahabharta period.