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HC puts plan to build agriculture college in Himayat Bagh on ..

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has told the state government to not establish any college within the premise of the

CSMC to issue notices in Himayat Bagh tree cutting case

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The civic body’s garden Himayat Bagh to assess the damage following a public outcry over tree cutting at the Mughal-era garden.

Mango contractor’s tree felling at Himayat Bagh leaves experts fuming

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: A mango contractor in Himayat Bagh cut several trees leading to angry reactions from nature lovers and environment experts, who have sought strict action against him.

SAVE HIMAYAT BAGH Biodiversity Heritage Site, Bombay High Court directs Government.

हिमायतबाग हे एक ४०० वर्ष जुने ऐतिहासिक वारसा असलेली बाग आहे. ४०० वर्षांपूर्वी औरंगाबाद मध्ये सलीम आली सरोवर आणि हिमायतबाग याची निर्मिती करण्यात आली होती. या परिसरात अनेक देशी प्रजातीची लाखो झाडी आहेत जांचे सरासरी वय २०० वर्षांहून अधिक आहे.

U-turn on Himayat Bagh biodiversity tag draws flak in Aurangabad

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The decision of the Himayat Bagh administration to withdraw its consent to declare the Mughal-era garden a biodiversity heritage site

SAVE HIMAYAT BAGH Garden

The Historical City of Aurangabad Maharashtra is breathing polluted air  3 X times the guidelines of WHO.

हिमायतबागची जागा शिक्षणसंस्थेस देण्याचा कट

Aurangabad: Authorities at the Himayat Bagh have started cutting around a dozen old trees at the Mughal-era garden. This is despite the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court asking them to give the Himayat Bagh trees heritage status and submit the necessary proposal to the state government.

Himayat Bagh trees being felled; AMC to serve notice

Aurangabad: Authorities at the Himayat Bagh have started cutting around a dozen old trees at the Mughal-era garden. This is despite the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court asking them to give the Himayat Bagh trees heritage status and submit the necessary proposal to the state government.

Maharashtra: Salim Ali Lake in contention for biodiversity heritage tag

AURANGABAD: Amid the ongoing official efforts to seek the tag of a biodiversity heritage site for Himayat Bagh, the Salim Ali Lake – another ecological hotspot nearby – is also likely to get a similar status.

Aurangabad: Biodiversity heritage tag in sight for Himayat Bagh

AURANGABAD: The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has finally sent a proposal to the state biodiversity board seeking biodiversity heritage tag for Himayat Bagh.

Himayat Bagh trees being felled; AMC to serve notice

Aurangabad: Authorities at the Himayat Bagh have started cutting around a dozen old trees at the Mughal-era garden. This is despite the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court asking them to give the Himayat Bagh trees heritage status and submit the necessary proposal to the state government.

High Court asks AMC chief to decide on heritage tag for Himayat Bagh..

AURANGABAD: The Aurangabad bench of Bombay high court has asked the civic administrator to decide on the demand of declaring Himayat Bagh as biodiversity heritage under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 within a fortnight.

Worried about conservation of Himayat Bagh: High Court

Aurangabad: “We are seriously worried about the conservation of the Himayat Bagh”, said Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Anil Pansare of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court while stopping official activities related to the acquisition of four wells at the Mughal-era garden.

Maharashtra: Greens fume over acquisition of wells at Himayat Bagh

AURANGABAD: The district administration on Tuesday acquired Shakkar Bawdi and three other wells at Himayat Bagh, sparking outrage among the environmentalists.

AMC can’t decide fate of trees in Labour Colony: Conservationists

Aurangabad: The Labour Colony in Aurangabad, which recently witnessed a mega demolition drive against unauthorised structures, has caught the attention of nature-lovers who have been demanding protection of trees at the location.

While the public works department (PWD) is expected to seek guidance from the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in deciding fate of around 222 trees concerned, conservationists have questioned the power of the local civic body in the matter.

Advocate Sandesh Hange of advocacy group Umbrella Welfare Foundation said the trees at Labour colony were more than 50-year old and, therefore, the state-level authorities have to take an official call.
“By virtue of their age, trees at Labour Colony are heritage trees and, therefore, cannot be axed without the permission of the state-level authorities,” he said.

Honorary wildlife warden Kishor Pathak said the district administration must not hurry in dealing with the trees at Labour colony.
“The presence of over 200 old trees at Labour colony is a sign of healthy oxygen hub in the heart of the city. The government authorities must consider keeping most of these trees intact while planning the future development plans,” he said.

Forest dept ignores HC’s heritage tag order for Himayat Bagh trees

Aurangabad: Even though the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court had, almost a month ago, asked the forest department to give heritage tag to the trees at Himayat Bagh, the authorities concerned have allegedly failed to swing into action.

Notably, the two-member bench of Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice S G Dige had categorically said that the official process concerned shall be immediately initiated.

As per the amended Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation and Protection of Trees Act, 1975, any tree that is more than 50-year-old must receive the heritage tag. Himayat Bagh, the iconic Mughal-era garden, has many old trees are awaiting the ‘heritage’ status in order to have scientific conservation.

When contacted, deputy conservator of forests Arun Patil said the forest department has established communication with the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for carrying out the necessary exercise. “We expect the local civic body to complete necessary formalities as it is one of the owners of land on which Himayat Bagh is situated,” he said.

However, conservationists have expressed sharp reactions over the forest department allegedly passing on the entire responsibility of the desired work to the AMC.

“We expect all authorities including the forest department, AMC and Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University to join hands for giving heritage tag to the trees at Himayat Bagh. These authorities have combined stake over the historic place and must act together instead of passing the buck,” conservationist Milind Giridhari said.

He also underlined the need for immediate chemical treatment for many old trees at Himayat Bagh. “Many old trees are uprooting due to lack of attention. The tree-cover and biodiversity at the Mughal-era garden is very unique and must be protected with swift measures,” he said.

Forest department, Aurangabad Municipal Corporation pass the buck on Himayat Bagh trees

AURANGABAD: Providing heritage tag to ancient trees at the Himayat Bagh and undertaking a tree census for the same purpose is still not in sight despite directives from the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court.

Both the forest department and Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) are passing the buck on each other when it comes to protecting the characteristic green cover at the Mughal-era garden.

In a letter, dated March 11, the forest department had written to the AMC, asking to initiate necessary steps as the local tree authority runs under the aegis of the local civic body.

“If speedy steps are taken to award the heritage tag to the green cover at the Himayat Bagh, it would not lead to contempt of court. The forest department is ready to provide all possible support to the civic authorities,” S G Patil, assistant conservator of forest, had said in the letter.

Even after lapse of more than three weeks to such official correspondence, no official steps have been initiated for protecting the trees at the Mughal-era garden. When contacted AMC garden superintendent Vijay Patil said it was decided to carry out a tree census jointly with the forest department. “We have conveyed our plans to the forest department and awaiting further communication from their side,” he said.

Conservationists are fuming over the alleged lack of coordination between the forest department and AMC. “The inordinate delay in offering heritage tag to the trees at Himayat Bagh has been taking place despite the directives issued by the Bombay high court. It shows how insensitive authorities are towards the protecting the tree-cover at Himayat Bagh,” Honorary wildlife warden for Aurangabad, Kishor Pathak said.

Aurangabad: Tree census begins at Himayat Bagh

AURANGABAD: The tree census has finally begun at the Himayat Bagh with the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and forest department making joint efforts to prepare the necessary registry of unique green-cover at the Mughal-era garden.

The census — which also has the participation of NGO Umbrella Welfare Foundation and students of MGM College of Agricultural Biotechnology — is expected to last around two weeks.

The TOI, had carried multiple reports highlighting the inordinate delay in carrying out the tree census at Himayat Bagh despite directives from the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court.

Vijay Patil, in-charge of the garden department of the AMC, said every tree, shrub, creeper and climber at Himayat Bagh would be documented. “We will be also determine the age of the trees using the established methods. It will help us in giving a heritage tag to old trees,” he said.
The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought biodiversity and heritage tags for Himayat Bagh under relevant laws, had asked for declaring the old trees at the garden as heritage trees.

As per the amended Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation and Protection of Trees Act, 1975, many trees at Himayat Bagh that are over 50-years old are entitled to the heritage tag, which would lead to their scientific conservation

Sonservationist Waseem Quadri said the successful conduct of the tree census would prove to be a milestone in conservation of Himayat Bagh. “The official registry of trees will be of immense benefit in protecting the green cover. It will also help in fighting the ongoing legal battle,” he said.

Hammering of nails into trees draws flak in Aurangabad

Aurangabad: Majority of old trees at Himayat bagh have been nailed, drawing sharp reactions from experts and nature-lovers who seek stern action against the elements involved.

The contractor, who has received the auction bid of mango trees at Himayat bagh, has allegedly nailed the trees to display notices warning visitors against plucking of fruits.

Notices warning visitors not to pluck fruits at the garden have been displayed at various spots. The notices state that fine of Rs 500 and Rs 100 for plucking of mangoes and picking up fallen mango on ground will be levied.

Botanist Milind Girdhari said nailing weakens the trunk of trees. “Nailing has gradual adverse impact on the growth and life of trees. Many trees at Himayat Bagh are very old and are bound to suffer damage due to insertion of nails,” he said.

Nature lover Sanjay Gaikwad said it is ironical that tree-cover at Himayat bagh was being damaged despite Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court asking the authorities to give heritage tag to trees at the Mughal-era garden.

“Both Himayat bagh authorities as well as contractor concerned must face action, failing which we will launch a sit-in protest at Himayat bagh,” he said.

As per the amended Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation and Protection of Trees Act 1975, many trees at Himayat Bagh that are over 50-years old are entitled for the heritage tag.

Himayat Bagh PIL: HC passes strictures against authorities

Aurangabad: The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court has said that joint efforts were expected from all the authorities to protect Himayat Bagh, a Mughal-era garden that is suffering due to official apathy.

While hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) seeking biodiversity heritage tag for Himayat Bagh, among other prayers, the court said it does not find the respondents serious in the matter.

Filed by Umbrella Welfare Foundation, a non-profit organisation through petitioner Sandesh Hange, different authorities including the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agriculture University (Parbhani), the state archaeology department, forest department, biodiversity board and the ministry of environment, forest and climate change have been made respondents in the case.

“All these parties are expected to come forward and show positive attitude in preserving the garden area. It is the oldest garden area in this region, having an area of more than 300 acre. The said garden has its own history and biodiversity importance,” the two-member bench of justice SV Gangapurwala and justice S G Dige said.

The PIL seeks protection of Himayat Bagh under Biological Diversity Act. 2002, as well as under the provisions of the Maharashtra Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.

With the state agricultural university is largely at the helm of affairs of Himayat Bagh, the court has said that it expects that the varsity will take immediate steps in the matter and move the archaeological department after ensuring feasibility of declaring Himayatbagh as biodiversity site. The court has also asked the university to take positive steps in this regard before the next scheduled hearing of the case on February 23 next year.

The forest and archaeological department shall also move into action and take steps accordingly without further delay and/or raising technical issues, the court has said.

Forest department ‘ignorant’ of Himayat Bagh flora & fauna

Aurangabad: Even though Himayat Bagh is considered a rare habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna by the conservationists, the forest department is apparently ignorant of the fact.

In its affidavit submitted before the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, the forest department has allegedly failed to underscore the importance of the Mughal-era garden as one-of-its-kind biodiversity hotspot.

In regard to the diverse population of birds present at the Mughal-era garden, the forest department has said “There is no report by any authority pointing out the existing list of birds/species present at Himayat Bagh”.

The affidavit, the copy of which is available with TOI, reads: “Although based on newspaper cuttings, presence of endemic birds in the Himayat Bagh area has been pointed out, but in absence of report of the competent authority, the same cannot be accepted.” The written submission has been made by the authorities during the hearing of public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks proper conservation of the Himayat Bagh.

Criticising the forest department for poor knowledge of Himayat Bagh, honorary wildlife warden of Aurangabad Kishor Pathak said the affidavit submitted was very different from the reality.

The Mughal-era garden has unique biodiversity with a wide range of flora and fauna. It houses different unique plants, shrubs, creepers and trees besides being home to over 160 different resident and migratory birds. All these facts should have reflected in the affidavit.” he said.

When contacted, assistant conservator of forest (forestry division) Arun Patil, who has filed the affidavit on behalf of the forest department, gave evasive answers. “We do not differ with the fact that Himayat Bagh is a biodiversity hotspot. More official studies are needed to explore the flora and fauna at the historic place,” he said.

HC instructs the forest department to give heritage status to Himayat Bagh trees

Aurangabad: The Aurangabad bench of Bombay high court has asked the forest department to give heritage status to the trees at Himayat Bagh.
“The process shall be initiated immediately and progress in this regard would be placed on record before the next date,” the two-member bench of Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice S G Dige said, while scheduling the next hearing of the PIL that seeks biodiversity and heritage tags for Himayat Bagh under relevant laws on March 30.
In July, last year, the state government had amended the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation and Protection of Trees Act, 1975, giving heritage status to 50-year-old trees.
While any tree, belonging to any species, with an estimated age of 50 years or more is categorised as a heritage tree, the state government, in September 2021, had also spelt out norms on how to calculate the age of a tree.
Himayat Bagh, one-of-its-kind combination of biodiversity hotspot and heritage site, has many old trees of tamarind, mango, jamun, and kawath (wood apple) among other indigenous species. The site also has several shrubs, creepers and climbers with some of them considered to have great medicinal value.
When contacted, deputy conservator of forest Arun Patil said his department would read the latest court ruling and act as per directive issued by the judiciary.
While petitioner advocate Sandhesh Hange, who is appearing as party-in-person in aforesaid PIL, placed on record the research report regarding biological diversity of birds, reptiles ad butterflies at Himayat Bagh, the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University told the court that it was in process of collecting botanical data and the same would be completed within a period of four weeks.
Stating that it expected joint efforts from all the authorities to protect Himayat Bagh area, the court said: “We hope and trust that steps will be taken expeditiously and the decision will be taken regarding declaration of entire land of Himayat Bagh garden as biodiversity under the provisions of Biological Diversity Act, 2002. So also, the decision for declaration of Himayat Bagh garden as protected area under the provisions of the Maharashtra Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.”

Study backs demand for biodiversity heritage tag

Aurangabad: The historic Himayat Bagh is home to as many as 182 types of birds, 45 types of butterflies, 80 types of insects, 28 types of spiders, 13 types of snakes along with a wide range of tree species.
The findings were revealed during the first-of-its-kind field study conducted Umbrella Foundation through its researchers — Swarda Joshi and Shraddha Devadhe.
While no documented evidence of flora and fauna was available till date to underline the importance of Himayat Bagh as biodiversity hotspot, the Umbrella Foundation had undertaken the study of the site as a part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by it for seeking biodiversity heritage tag for the Mughal-era garden.
The study has listed out different perching birds such as sparrows and finches, raptors such as eagles and hawks, shorebirds like sandpipers, waterfowl such as ducks and specialists such as woodpeckers and owls as dwelling species in Himayat Bagh.
Common rose, striped tiger, lemon pansy, blue pansy, chocolate pansy, crimson tip, grass yellow pioneer, blue mormon and common five ring are among 45 types of butterflies found at the Mughal-era garden, which is also home to different snakes including cobra, russel’s viper, Indian rat snake and checkered keelback.
“The Himayat Bagh region is surrounded by hilly area which has small waterbodies and different type of flowering and fruit plants in its surrounding area that provides grounds for feeding, breeding and nesting for avian fauna, insects, reptiles,” the study said.
Stating that the Himayat Bagh houses as many as 310 species of trees including the once that offer nesting to birds, the study adds that the reason behind the good diversity of birds is that there are number of tree species found on the premises of the garden.

Terming Himayat Bagh as unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems having rich biodiversity, the study has underlined the need of proper conservation of the site.