Felling of 500-Year-Old Chinars in Anantnag Sparks Outrage

Anantnag, Feb 26: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has strongly condemned the shocking felling of centuries-old Chinar trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag, calling it a grave violation of heritage and environmental laws. The trees, believed to be over 500 years old, held immense historical, cultural, and ecological significance, making their destruction deeply distressing.

This incident comes despite the Jammu and Kashmir government's recent geo-tagging initiative aimed at safeguarding Chinars across the region. The move has sparked outrage among environmentalists and locals, who see it as a blatant disregard for conservation efforts.

"This is not an isolated case," EPG stated, highlighting that infrastructure projects, such as the widening of the Narbal-Delina road, have led to the uprooting of over 100 Chinar trees. The organization had previously protested against Chinar cutting in the parking area of the Wildlife Warden Kashmir’s office at Hokersar Wetland. The ongoing expansion of the Narabal-Baramulla Road has further worsened the situation, with more Chinars being removed up to Delina.

EPG criticized the administration for failing to enforce the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, which strictly prohibits the felling of Chinars without special permissions. "The Chinar is not just a tree; it is an emblem of Kashmir’s identity and a vital ecological asset," the group asserted, emphasizing its role in temperature regulation, biodiversity conservation, and combating deforestation.

Demanding urgent intervention, EPG has called for an independent investigation into the Rani Bagh incident and similar violations across the region. "Those responsible—whether officials or contractors—must be held accountable under the law," the organization insisted. It further urged authorities to ensure that future development projects prioritize alternative solutions that protect Chinars and other heritage trees.

The group also stressed the need to strengthen the geo-tagging and monitoring system under the Chinar Conservation Project to prevent further damage. "If such violations continue unchecked, Kashmir will lose not just its environmental wealth, but also a living symbol of its rich cultural heritage," EPG warned. [KNT]