| Sathanur: a tree that is as old as forever, says SOMA BASU |
THIS RLT was devoted to the search of a tree. Not any old tree of course, but one that is believed to be 120,000,000 years old. I re-checked the number of zeros with the Geological Survey of India, even though a couple of zeros either added or taken out wouldn't really have made a difference. But you get the point, yes? Very, very old.
Of course, I almost never made it to my destination: Sathanur. The drive from Tiruchi to Ariyalur, particularly the 25 km stretch to Sathanur, is — to understate the point — not exactly a featherbed. And then the bumpy, spine-testing drive came to an abrupt halt because the road itself came to a sudden halt.
Hauling myself out, I began walking beside shepherds and along a muddy tract beside which children swung on ropes attached to trees and were busy fishing in small ponds. Smalls streams that cut across the pathway glistened under a kindly sun.
Having asked directions to the maram (tree) all the way, I reached a point where there was no longer a need to. There it was, its large trunk petrified and embedded in a group of rocks that were as old as eternity. As I walked to the spot, an old man, Murugesan, who has been guarding this rare remains of this conifer tree came running out with a key. He unlocked the iron gate to let me into an open compound, where it lies, measuring some 18 metres and looking like a sandy brown log of wood. The Geological Survey reported its existence in 1940 and it has been declared an asset with the entire areas surrounding it a protected geological monument.
Its history
The story goes that the sea, which lies about 100 km east of Sathanur today, was present in these parts. During this period — geologically classified as cretaceous — the sea abounded in a variety of marine animals, not wholly dissimilar to those that exist today. When they died, these animals sank to the bottom to be buried by sand and clay brought down by the rivers. Along with them, some trees that flourished on the coast or near the shore were also buried after being flushed in by the streams. In course of time, they were petrified, embalmed forever by Nature.
The tree is exposed to Nature, but Murugesan says he has not seen any change in its colour or composition for the past three decades. He doesn't receive many visitors barring the odd group of college students out on excursions. A tattered register maintains a record of the visitors over the years. The tree's caretaker thinks the Government should do more to make it an attraction. He suggests that if the surrounding areas are developed into a park, more people will come to look at it. This will also give local villagers an alternative source of income.
Fossil trees
The idea makes good sense. For, there are similar fossil trees in the area near Varagur, Anaipadi, Alundalippur and Sarada-Mangalam — all within a radius of 10 km. The entire area can be developed into an important geological site. Meanwhile, Murugesan's protective zeal ensures that no damage is done to the tree. He has another three years to go but hopes the department will extend his services if visitors write kind words in the guest book. I do this because of Sathanur, which turns out to be an atypical but interesting RLT. I do this also for the dedicated keeper of the tree.
How to get there
Sathanur may be reached via the Chennai-Tiruchi highway. Don't miss the left turn from Siruvachur Village, which leads to the maram.
Courtesy: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/01/22/stories/2005012202210100.htm
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