Srinagar, Feb 26 (KNO): The felling of Chinar trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag has triggered outrage across Kashmir, with political leaders, environmentalists and locals demanding a high-level investigation into what they call a serious environmental offence.
The controversy erupted after pictures surfaced on social media, showing felled green Chinar trees—a protected species under J&K conservation laws. This has led many to question the government's geo-tagging initiative, which was introduced to monitor and protect Chinar trees.
National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri has called for an immediate high-level probe, urging the Anantnag Deputy Commissioner to book those responsible and impose heavy fines.
"These pictures must be reported to the National Green Tribunal for cognizance and accountability. Meanwhile, the Anantnag deputy commissioner should initiate a high-level inquiry, book the culprits for vandalising public property, and impose heavy fines as a deterrent!" Veeri posted on X.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the incident, calling it an infuriating contradiction in the government's approach.
"One day, the J&K government geo-tags Chinar trees to promote conservation. The next day, they allow the felling of 500-year-old trees. This is a travesty that cannot be justified," she said.
Environmental activists and experts have strongly condemned the loss of these historic trees, warning of its ecological impact.
Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat described the incident as "vandalism disguised as pruning." "Chinar trees in the middle of Rani Bagh have been vandalized under the garb of lopping. I am feeling depressed," Bhat said.
The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) issued a statement saying these trees, believed to be over 500 years old, are integral to Kashmir’s heritage. "Their destruction represents a blatant violation of conservation laws and a grave injustice to Kashmir's legacy. We demand an independent investigation into this felling and similar incidents," the EPG said.
The incident in Anantnag is not an isolated case. Recent infrastructure projects, such as the widening of the Narbal-Delina road, have led to the uprooting of over 100 Chinar trees. Similar felling has also been reported near the Wildlife Warden Kashmir’s office at Hokersar Wetland.
Responding to the controversy, the District Floriculture Office, Anantnag, dismissed allegations of illegal tree felling, saying that only "pruning of dried and hazardous branches" was carried out for public safety.
"It has come to the notice that misleading information is being circulated. The facts are that only pruning of dried and hazardous branches of old Chinar trees was carried out with due authorisation to ensure public safety," the statement said.
Officials said the pruning was done following an open auction on January 9, 2025, and was conducted transparently. "The public has been urged to verify facts before spreading misinformation," the statement said.
Speaking to KNO, District Floriculture Officer Anantnag, Mazhar Mustafa Ansari said the pruning was necessary to eliminate dangerous, dry branches that posed a threat to visitors.
"Several trees in Rani Bagh had dry branches, and the department had repeatedly informed the administration about the risk. In September 2024, after a tourist was injured by a falling branch, we reminded the Deputy Commissioner, which led to permission being granted for pruning," he said.
Ansari said the pruning followed all proper procedures and that the auction process was handled by the revenue department. "The Floriculture Department assesses the health status of the trees, but permission for pruning is granted by the Deputy Commissioner's office," he clarified.
He also dismissed allegations of illegal tree felling, saying, "Cutting and pruning are routine processes. In some cases, small green branches were trimmed to maintain tree balance, but no tree was uprooted or fully cut down in Rani Bagh."
Tehsildar Anantnag, Sajad Ahmad said, “Whatever was done was carried out under proper permission and procedure for public safety at both Rani Bagh and Sarnal.”
According to Ansari, the 2018 census recorded 6,222 Chinar trees in Anantnag district. He said efforts are underway to increase their numbers, with 3,500 new saplings already planted through various plantation drives.
The controversy erupted weeks after the Jammu and Kashmir government initiated a geo-tagging programme to conserve Chinar trees by monitoring their health.
The "Digital Tree Aadhaar" project was launched to geo-tag and monitor Chinar trees using QR codes and GIS technology, aiming to safeguard them from threats like urbanization and deforestation—(KNO)