Environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee ‘Salumarada’ Thimmakka has passed away at the age of 114. Thimakka breathed his last on November 14 at a private hospital in Bengaluru. She is known for planting and maintaining banyan trees along the national highway with her late husband, for which she was honored with several awards.

Thimmakka was a resident of Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. After marrying Bikkala Chikkayya, she moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk.

The couple, who had no children, planted 385 banyan trees on State Highway 94 from Kudur to Hulikal. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Saalumarada Thimmakka.

Thimmakka, who planted thousands of trees and raised them like his own children, dedicated most of his life to environmental protection. Even though Thimakka has left us today, his love for the environment has made him immortal. My tribute to the departed soul.

The state is left poor by the demise of Saalumarada Thimakka. I pray that his May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. My condolences to the family.

” Environment Minister Ishwar Khandre, in his condolence message, said, “Thimmakka, who was known as Mother Tree, spread the importance of greenery in the world. Despite being illiterate, she did great work in environmental protection and was awarded an honorary doctorate and received the highest awards including the Padma Shri. ” Thimmakka was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for social work-environment.

She was admitted to a private hospital two days ago after complaining of weakness and loss of appetite in September. She was discharged after her recovery.