Giant Semal Tree at Risk in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Conservation Efforts Underway

historic Semal tree in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is at risk due to river erosion. Forest officials have built a protective structure and initiated constant monitoring to preserve it.

In Dehradun's Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, a historic and massive Semal (silk cotton) tree, believed to be over 120 feet tall and 94 feet in circumference, is at risk of falling due to erosion caused by a nearby river. Forest officials have taken urgent conservation steps, including the construction of a protective stone structure (safety wall) around the tree and continuous monitoring.

Discovered in 2015 by forest officials Trilok Singh Bisht, Heera Pandey, and Arvind Prakash Maurya, the tree is considered one of the oldest in the region. Due to its age and size, it has been honored as a "Champion Tree" since 2018. The weakening of its roots due to constant water flow prompted protective actions to prevent its fall. Authorities plan regular monitoring and reporting to ensure the tree's safety and are considering relocating similar trees at risk to safer areas.