They held a meeting on Friday under the tree and chalked out a plan to save it. The environmentalists under the banner of Save The Environment Movement said that the plan would be implemented in co-operation with the National Botanical Garden authorities.

"Considering the limited capacity of the government, we have taken initiative to save the tree in co-operation with the botanical garden authorities," said Abu Naser Khan, convenor of the environmentalist group -- Save The Environment Movement.

Under the plan, Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, head of the Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific, will draw a design of the location including the tree and a pond, maintaining the natural beauty of the spot.

The architect said he would involve the students of his department to design the landscape for the over an acre 'Achin Brikkhya' area.

Range Officer of the National Botanical Garden Mohammad Riazul Matin welcomed the initiative and said he would take steps to save the tree from soil erosion.

The speakers at the meeting said other than protection, social awareness is also needed to save the huge tree. They said every day hundred of visitors visit the place without knowing the importance of the tree.

Under the plan four signboards will be put up there describing the importance of tree. The boards will contain introductory information of the tree which will help create awareness among the visitors.

"Cultural activities can take place under the tree so that this place never remain neglected," said Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed.

The tree attracts hundreds of visitors every day but the sight of the tree is pathetic with its roots coming out of the ground and many of its aerial roots ripped off by vandals. With its spread-out old aerial roots deeply lodged into the ground, the tree is over 200 feet in diameter.

Its location by the river Turag and a vast water body stretching up to Tongi in the west and an age-old pond on its east make the 'Achin Brikkhya' an attractive natural retreat within the city.

But things are changing fast. A lack of maintenance has encouraged vandals climbing the tree and inscribing messages on its trunks and branches with sharp objects. There are picnic parties lighting fire for cooking at its roots.

Some unscrupulous officials of the botanical garden have rented out the banks of the pond to makeshift shops. The whole area is littered with wastes.

The Star City last week published a report on the present condition of the tree providing its background information. The report encouraged the environmentalists to take initiative to save the tree.