Signature campaign in Kolkata to protect tamarind tree planted by revolutionary 70 years ago

A petition is underway to save a huge tamarind tree in a neighborhood in southern Kolkata; Residents and activists fear it could be overthrown if the administration does not mark it as specially protected.

The tree is significant not only because it is a living landmark that is home to numerous species of birds, but also because it was planted by freedom fighter Parul Mukherjee around 70 years ago. He was a revolutionary who was convicted in the Titagarh conspiracy case in 1935, when he was just 20 years old, and spent four years in prison. After Independence and Partition, he moved to Calcutta, a refugee settlement later called Vidyasagar Colony, and died there in 1990.

A documentary was recently shot about the tree. Jilipibala’s friendsIt was selected for world premiere in the Calcutta International Film Festival National Documentary Competition category. Filmmaker Debalina Majumder, who lives in the neighborhood and made the 30-minute documentary, said, “I have been documenting this tamarind tree for 12 years and have witnessed the incredible biodiversity it supports. This tree is now on public land, but despite petitions and letters we have been writing to all kinds of government authorities for over a year, there is still no indication of its conservation status. We are once again calling on the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to save this urban biodiversity icon.” Hindu.

In July 2024, when the property where the freedom fighter lived was seized by builders and it was thought that the tree would collapse at any moment, a movement was launched to save the tree. Various events such as concerts, storytelling and bird watching were organized to draw attention to the fragility in this region. The boundary wall of the house was later reconstructed to accommodate the tree on Kolkata Municipal Corporation land.

But fears about its future were re-emerged last month when another tree in the neighborhood, also on public land, was cut down to make it easier to replace a utility pole next to it. That’s why the petition was launched on Christmas Day last week.

“This tree stands on the public road, but the adjacent area is being redeveloped and is at risk of felling. We write this petition keeping in mind the great contribution made by the revolutionary Parul Mukherjee to the independence of India, this colony and the protection and conservation of biodiversity,” the document for which signatures are being collected reads.

Residents and activists are asking the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to issue a protective order to ensure that the tamarind tree is not removed, damaged or cut down, to erect a memorial to Parul Mukherjee near the tree and to install an information signboard detailing the contribution of its historical significance to the area, local biodiversity and community identity.

“This tree is not just a botanical specimen; it is a symbol of resilience, shared history and ecological harmony. Its preservation will reflect Kolkata’s determination to honor its past while promoting sustainable urban living,” said the petition, which has been signed by about 450 people physically and 3,200 people online so far.