32 Trees Selected in Bihar to be Declared as “Heritage Trees”
The 500-year-old banyan tree in Aurangabad district stands out as the oldest among the selected trees
Bihar is Empowering it’s Citizens in Tree Conservation Through the Bihar Heritage Tree App
New Delhi/Patna, June 16, 2025: In a significant step toward preserving the state’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, Govt of Bihar through the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has selected 32 trees from five districts—Buxar, Aurangabad, Munger, Jamui, and Bhagalpur—to be declared as “Heritage Trees.” Of these, 28 trees are aged 100 years or more. The most notable among them is a massive banyan tree located in the Madanpur Block of Aurangabad district, which is estimated to be around 500 years old. This tree has long been renowned for its size, canopy spread, and deep cultural association with the local community.
The Bihar Biodiversity Board had issued comprehensive guidelines for the selection and declaration of Heritage Trees, which have been shared with all District Magistrates and Divisional Forest Officers. The key criteria for selection include the age of the tree (typically more than three generations), mythological or historical significance, uniqueness, endangered species status, or scientific research value. The department, adhering to strict criteria and conducting thorough on-ground verification, has shortlisted 32 trees for final declaration as “Biodiversity Heritage Trees” from an initial pool of 1,500 identified across the state.
The 500-year-old banyan tree in Aurangabad tops the list as the oldest tree among them, while 27 other trees are over a century old, the remaining four trees are estimated to be between 70 and 90 years of age. These trees will soon be officially designated as “Biodiversity Heritage Trees” to ensure their protection for future generations.
To aid this conservation initiative, the Bihar government has also developed a mobile application called the “Bihar Heritage Tree App.” Through this app, citizens and public representatives can upload images of unique trees in their district, neighborhood, panchayat, or block, along with GPS locations. If the information is verified and the tree is found to have unique significance, it will be considered for inclusion in the heritage list.
Nature not only sustains life but also preserves history. Some trees standing tall on the soil of Bihar are more than just trees—they are living witnesses to centuries of social, cultural, and natural legacy.
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