Kashmir’s famed Chinar tree, which has fascinated millions of tourists over the ages, will now get a new lease of life with the state government imposing a ban on its felling and lopping.
The step was taken in view of large-scale complaints from ecologists, environmentalists and NGOs that reckless lopping and felling of Chinar is taking place in every nook and corner of the valley, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Masaud Samoon said on Thursday.
Chinar, which is an integral part of Kashmir’s heritage, is fast disappearing due to reckless felling, unkind and unfriendly attitude of the people in general and callous interference of vested people in particular, he said.
Samoon said permission for felling of Chinar tree can only be granted if five new Chinar trees are planted against each Chinar tree cut.
He has also directed all Deputy Commissioners that permission for felling and lopping of Chinar trees, which have not been put to execution or which are pending grant for permission, be put in suspended animation and all such cases referred to him for review and orders.