Explained: In death of Chandigarh student, concern over city’s ‘heritage trees’ | Explained News,The Indian Express

A student in Chandigarh was crushed to death after a 250-year-old tree fell on her inside her school complex. The tree had been declared a 'heritage' tree.

A student studying at Carmel Convent School in Chandigarh was crushed to death after a 250-year-old tree fell on her inside the school complex. The peepal (sacred fig) had been declared a “heritage property” by the Chandigarh administration.

What is a ‘heritage’ tree, and how are they different from others? Who is responsible for the maintenance of these trees? The Indian Express explains.

In Chandigarh, a tree with an estimated age of 100 years, or more, is declared a ‘heritage property’.

To establish the age of the tree, the administration, through its Forest and Wildlife Department, relies on old records related to the existence of the tree. Though the age of the tree can be calculated using a carbon dating technique, the age of Chandigarh’s heritage trees are based on other proof, such as old maps and records.

The process to declare trees as heritage was completed after a three-year exercise in December 2017.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chandigarh-heritage-tree-student-dead-8018764/

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