Satpura Tiger Reserve
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The ‘magical’ mahua tree
As in 2019
Nov 6, 2019: The Times of India
From: Nov 6, 2019: The Times of India
A ‘magical’ mahua tree in Satpura Tiger Reserve is attracting hordes of worshippers, transforming the protected forest region into a mela ground, and threatening its ecosystem. Some are even stripping off the bark to worship at home.
Over 10,000 people from all over the state enter the forest daily — shooting up to a lakh on Sundays and Wednesdays — stretching local forest staff and police personnel to breaking point. Many come in the hope of cure from incurable ailments, or to have their wishes fulfilled. Some believe touching the tree gives them immunity from diseases, and some are mere curiosity seekers.
Local SDM Madan Singh Raghuvanshi said, “The way the visitor count is increasing, something needs to be done. Any mishap can happen inside the jungle”. During Navratri, a WhatsApp rumour began going around that the tree has magical powers. What started as a trickle of the curious, turned into unmanageable crowds within days.
Satpura Tiger Reservecovers 524 square km. The park, along with adjoining Bori and Pachmarhi wildlife sanctuaries, provides 2,200 sq km of unique central Indian highland ecosystem. But after the “discovery” of this tree, smoke from lakhs of incense sticks wafts into jungle foliage. Forest staff tried telling people that there is no ‘miracle cure’ in the tree, but to no avail. They tried their best to dissuade people, and when they failed, decided it was more necessary to regulate them.
