Explained: In death of Chandigarh student, concern over city’s ‘heritage trees’

A student in Chandigarh was crushed to death after a 250-year-old tree fell on her inside her school complex. The tree had been declared a 'heritage' tree.

A student was crushed to death after a 'heritage' tree fell in Chandigarh. (Express Photo: Kamleshwar Singh)

A student studying at Carmel Convent School in Chandigarh was crushed to death after a 250-year-old tree fell on her inside the school complex. The peepal (sacred fig) had been declared a “heritage property” by the Chandigarh administration.

What is a ‘heritage’ tree, and how are they different from others? Who is responsible for the maintenance of these trees? The Indian Express explains.

What is a ‘heritage’ tree?

In Chandigarh, a tree with an estimated age of 100 years, or more, is declared a ‘heritage property’.

To establish the age of the tree, the administration, through its Forest and Wildlife Department, relies on old records related to the existence of the tree. Though the age of the tree can be calculated using a carbon dating technique, the age of Chandigarh’s heritage trees are based on other proof, such as old maps and records.

The process to declare trees as heritage was completed after a three-year exercise in December 2017.

The giant peepal tree, which was around 250-years-old, was one of the oldest heritage trees in Chandigarh.

How many heritage trees does Chandigarh have?

Chandigarh had a total of 31 heritage trees before Friday’s tragedy.

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Heerakshi was a Class 10 student.

Of the 31 trees, 15 are peepal (Ficus religiosa), seven are Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), there are four Banyans (Ficus benghalensis) and mango trees (Mangifera indica), and one Imli (Tamarindus indica).

At least nine heritage trees are situated inside schools, or just outside their premises. Of these nine, four are at the Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 18.

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What makes heritage trees different from others?

Declaring a tree as heritage property accords it special status.

“Heritage trees are guarded. A board is installed near each tree with information on their age, life history and importance,” a senior forest officer said. “If construction is obstructed by a heritage tree, either in the middle of the road or in personal property, permission will be denied for the construction,” the officer added.

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According to a notification dated December 21, 2017, “The department of tourism, UT Chandigarh, shall plan and organise heritage walks… in order to educate and sensitise people towards heritage trees of the city.

“The engineering department, and municipal corporation shall not cut or prune these heritage trees without prior approval of the UT Chandigarh administration,” it added.

A board with information on the heritage tree. (Express Photo: Kamleshwar Singh)

Who is responsible for the maintenance of heritage trees?

The responsibility is divided in three parts.

Heritage trees situated within the boundaries of any institute or personal property are in the responsibility of the engineering wing of the UT administration.

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Tress situated outside the boundaries, like on roads, parks etc, are the responsibility of the municipal corporation.

Heritage trees situated in forest areas come in the jurisdiction of the forest department.

The notification states, “The departments/institutes on whose premises these heritage trees are standing shall be responsible for its protection, preservation and conservation in coordination with Department of Forest & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More