INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
700-year-old Banyan tree was essentially brought back to life with the help of a drip in Telangana
According to news agency ANI, one of its branches was infected by termites
Desperate to save the tree, officials put up drips filled with diluted pesticides to kill off the insects
The majestic tree, in the state's Mahabubnagar district, spreads across three acres and is believed to be the second biggest Banyan tree in
However, it has been shut to the public since last December, after one of its branches came crashing down due to the rampant termite
infestation, reports Telangana Today.Alarmed officials put up drips of the diluted chemical Chlorpyrifos for every two metres of the giant
banyan tree in an attempt to get rid of the wood-destroying insects
Photos show the chemical being administered to the giant tree much in the way a saline drip would be administered to a patient in
The solution was coming back instantly
Later we started injecting solution like a saline drip
This process has been effective
Secondly, we are watering the roots with the diluted solution to kill the termites
And in a physical method, we are building concrete structures to support the collapsing heavy branches," Mahabubnagar District Forest
Officer Chukka Ganga Reddy told the Times of India."The tree's health is stable now
We are hoping it will become normal after a few days
We are also planning to open the site to the public after discussion with the higher officials, but this time people have to see it from a
distance away from the barricades," the official added.Mahabubnagar District Collector Ronald Rose is reported to be "personally monitoring"
the revival of the tree.Click for more trending news
