Andhra Pradesh

Tourists’ delight, but…

The tamarind tree at Perantalapalli

BHADRACHALAM: Perantallapalli, a tiny tribal habitation on the Godavari river bank, is a favourite destination for people who prefer to spend their week-end.

The mechanised launches, chugging up the river with people from far-off places out to find the world of difference along the river course, invariably make a brief halt at the ferry point for refreshments. It enables all to have a glimpse of the land mark which has been shaded by a giant tamarind tree.

For those who had spent cruising along the river for more than four hours, the dusty arena under the tamarind tree would be more fascinating than the lofty hills, the place is surrounded by. The green giant, that survived many a flood, many a storm and many a forest fire, grabs the attention of every visitor.

People spend time trying to climb the tree, measure its width and count its roots. It, of course, presents a delightful world for the children as well as.

It is certainly hundreds of years old. For the tribals, the tamarind tree is sacred.

The earth trembles if such a giant trees falls, says the community. Hence they spared it from the axe and revered it for generations. Its root base, which encompasses a large area on the river bank, had given shelter for many saints and sadhus. The picturesque locales of the Godavari surrounding the village attract film makers.

The Telugu number “Raa.. rammani ra… ra rammani’ in ‘Avunu valliddaru ishtapaddaru’ was shot beneath the tree.

All is well but the small tribal community that populates the habitation is in distress. The question queering the minds is – will towering tamarind survive the submergence by the Polavaram project?

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