We were taken aback to see a few burnt banyan stumps when our team first went to Chevella on 5 May 2019. But on a more recent photo shoot on 18 May, we were absolutely shocked to find more trees that had been burnt. A few were smoldering from recent fires, others had been more severely damaged from fires that may have raged for days. Someone is slowly burning the banyans down!

What can you do?
The burning banyans need your urgent help. They need look-outs, volunteers, protectors. If you can, please go to Chevella to document what you see. Spend time on the highway with your friends and family. Plan a picnic under their shade. Go see the hornbills, rufous treepies, ashy prinias and many more that live in their canopies. Take pictures/videos and send them to us on Facebook, Twitter or post a comment.

If you spot a fire - alert the authorities. Fires can be dangerous, so be careful.
Police station:
Sub-Inspector Renuka, Chevella Police station; Mobile: 9440627359/ Landline: 08417-243233
Forest Office:
DFO Ranga Reddy district; Mobile: 9440810143/Landline: 040 23232774

Share the petition and posts on social media
The “Save the Banyans of Chevella” petition has been signed by 35,000+ people! Please help us reach even more. This is one of the last stretches of road with so many banyans and interlocking canopies. There will be nothing to save if these trees are burnt as you read this.
o Sign and share the Petition
o Read the Blog
o Participate on Facebook
o Share our Twitter stories
Please do your bit and be a tree protector. Save the banyans of Chevella!