On a serene June evening in Delhi, the setting sun illuminated the Shish Gumbad in Lodhi Garden, where children played on the lawns, birds flitted about, and couples enjoyed quiet picnics. Yet, amid this tranquil scene, a significant change was apparent. Behind the historic Shish Gumbad, a once-majestic tree had collapsed. Its roots were exposed, its trunk split, and its branches lay lifeless against the grass.
This was not an ordinary tree; even in death, it stood as a silent witness to countless sunsets in this central park of Delhi. “I used to sit here under this tree and admire the monument,” said Shweta Sharma, 42, a local resident. “It was a focal point-everyone took photos near it. A few days ago, it was gone, but people are still taking pictures, now standing where it used to be.”
The Shish Gumbad itself, as noted on an adjacent plaque, originates from the Lodi Sultanate, possibly constructed during Sikandar Lodi’s reign from 1489 to 1517. Yet for many frequent visitors, the fallen tree was integral to the charm of this historic site.
According to locals, the tree fell during one of Delhi’s recent storms. “There was heavy rain,” explained Soam Vir, 40, a vendor who sells snacks nearby. “The ground around the tree was flooded. Its roots may have weakened. This happened early in the morning-luckily, no one was injured.”
Vir, who has spent 20 years in the area, described the tree as an old friend. “We’ve watched this tree for eight years. It had lost all its leaves-I couldn’t even tell what type of tree it was anymore. I think it was a kikar tree.”
“This isn’t the first tree to fall in Lodhi Garden,” remarked Vijay Kumar, 72, a retired corporate employee who has walked these paths for over a decade. “These trees have been here for decades.”
An official from the New Delhi Municipal Council’s horticulture department stated that the tree was around 50 years old and was home to many birds. It had been dry and dead for several years, and plans were in place to cover it with vines to mask its condition. However, strong winds from a recent storm ultimately caused its collapse.
“The tree is commonly known as the Dhau or Chakwa tree, scientifically named Anogeissus acuminata. Once we identified that it had dried out, we planted another tree of the same species elsewhere in Lodhi Garden,” the official clarified. “With the current weather conditions, we are prioritizing regular pruning. Our disaster management teams remain on alert.”
For now, the fallen tree occupies a space on the lawn, its presence altered but not erased.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/witness-to-sunsets-and-stories-a-beloved-landmark-falls-in-delhis-lodhi-garden-10046907/
Category: Cities,Delhi
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-04 05:10:00
