Now, Vizag can boast of 800 heritage trees

Visakhapatnam: A group of passionate environmentalists in Vizag, led by former environment and botany professors from Andhra University, have identified nearly 800 heritage trees within the urban landscape of Visakhapatnam.
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Vizag chapter is now planning to formalise and document these ancient giants with the expertise of these professors.These heritage trees, some over 200 to 300 years old, hold immense cultural, historical, and ecological significance, having silently witnessed Vizag's evolution over centuries. For instance, a tree near the Waltair divisional railway manager’s office, documented to be 130 years old, proudly bears a sign from the railways denoting its age.

Dr K Kameswara Rao, a retired professor of environmental science at Andhra University who is leading the initiative, told TOI, "These trees, averaging around 50-100 years old, play a crucial role in soil conservation, water recharge, and supporting local flora and fauna. For example, the giant banyan tree inside the Andhra University Directorate of Admissions may sequester around 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Similarly, the heritage trees located on the campus of Andhra University significantly aid in recharging the water table across nearly 15 to 20 colonies surrounding Andhra University."
Prof. Y Venkateswara Rao, a retired professor and former head of the botany department at Andhra University, is also lending his expertise to the project.
On Sunday, the INTACH Vizag chapter conducted a three-hour heritage tree walk in Visakhapatnam. Chapter convenor Dr D. Rajasekhar Reddy and co-convenor Dr B. Surendra Kumar proposed a comprehensive survey to identify and document these invaluable trees. Several INTACH Vizag chapter members and enthusiastic environmentalists, including Edward Paul, Jayshree Hatangadi, Mayank Kumari Deo, P Venkataramana Reddy, Tanmay Mukhopadhyay, Vivek Rathod, and others, participated in the walk.
The INTACH members discussed the development of tailored conservation plans for each identified tree. A key point raised during the walk was the importance of encouraging local communities to participate in preservation efforts through awareness campaigns and educational workshops. The discussion also suggested enhancing existing laws, such as the AP Biodiversity Act, to provide stronger protection for these heritage trees. They also deliberated on making various school clubs of INTACH part of the initiative.
Prof. Kameswara Rao explained the significance of each tree to the walk participants and how they are contributing to the betterment of the ecology. He said that these trees harbour a lot of microorganisms and support 200 to 300 other species. “While some serve as seed dispersers, others work for ecosystem sustainability, supporting other flora and fauna, and saving rainwater runoff,” said Prof. Rao.