Madurai Marks Conservation of 107-Year-Old Banyan Tree

Madurai in Tamil Nadu marked the 107th birthday of a banyan tree in the Meenakshipuram area on 27 July 2026. The tree stands near the Sellur-Kulamangalam road, close to the Sellur tank, and is treated as the last surviving centenarian tree in its immediate locality.

Ancient Trees and Urban Biodiversity

Banyan tree is the common name for Ficus benghalensis, a large fig species in the family Moraceae. The species is known for aerial roots, broad canopy spread, and long life, and it is often associated with shade, habitat value, and urban green cover in India. The Madurai tree has served as a nesting site for birds, which makes it relevant to urban biodiversity and habitat conservation. Activists have linked its protection to the survival of mature roadside trees in areas affected by road widening and park construction.

Local Conservation Efforts

The birthday event was organised as a Green Nature Festival by the Water Body Protection Movement and other public welfare trusts. The movement’s founder, Abubakar, led the celebration, and annual birthday events for the tree have been held since 2019. In 2024, the tree was described as 105 years old, and Abu Bakar of Meenambalpuram was recorded as nurturing it with a water management system. The annual birthday date was noted as 28 July in that account.

Threats to Mature Trees

Conservationists have identified garbage burning, repeated branch cutting by electricity board workers, and noise from festival firecrackers as threats to the tree. At least seven other banyan trees in the locality were removed earlier for road expansion and park construction. On 27 July 2026, the tree was decorated with lights, and notebooks and tree saplings were distributed to students who attended the event.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ficus benghalensis is the scientific name of the banyan tree.
• The banyan tree belongs to the family Moraceae.
• Banyan trees develop aerial roots that can support large spreading canopies.
• Madurai is a major city in Tamil Nadu and is known for several heritage and ecological landmarks.

Related Incident in Karur District

On the same day, a 200-year-old banyan tree collapsed in the Kulithalai area of Karur district. The collapse damaged two vehicles and was reported alongside the Madurai conservation event.