Group expresses concern over Omar Abdullah’s remarks on objections to felling of Chinar trees
Srinagar, October 16: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed concern over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s reported remarks in Ganderbal regarding objections to the felling of Chinar trees, urging the government to ensure that infrastructure development does not come at the cost of Kashmir’s ecological and cultural heritage.
EPG Convener Faiz Bakshi said the reported remarks, in which the Chief Minister observed that people from Kashmir and even Mumbai raise objections whenever Chinars are cut, underscored the need for a balanced approach to development that takes environmental and historical considerations into account.
Bakshi said the Chinar, locally known as Bouin, was deeply rooted in Kashmir’s cultural identity and landscape, and its significance extended beyond its physical presence along roads and public spaces.
“For generations, these magnificent trees have defined the Valley’s landscape. Their value cannot be measured merely in terms of the space they occupy or the convenience they offer to road-widening projects,” he said.
While acknowledging the need for improved roads and infrastructure, Bakshi said the removal of mature Chinars should not be treated as an inevitable consequence of development without first examining feasible alternatives.
He pointed out that mature Chinars provide shade, support biodiversity, absorb carbon and help regulate local temperatures. Given the decades required for these trees to mature, newly planted saplings cannot immediately compensate for the ecological benefits lost through their removal.
“It is contradictory that, on one hand, the government talks about environmental protection, while, on the other, the cutting of Chinars is presented as a necessary price of development. Environmental commitments must translate into concrete action,” Bakshi said.
Clarifying the Group’s position, he said the EPG was not opposed to development but believed that infrastructure projects must incorporate adequate environmental safeguards.
He urged the government to examine alternative road alignments, consider design modifications and undertake proper assessments before approving the felling of mature trees.
Bakshi also said public concern over Chinar conservation, including expressions of concern from outside Kashmir, should be welcomed rather than viewed as opposition to development.
“The concern expressed by people from Mumbai and elsewhere reflects the wider recognition of Kashmir’s natural heritage. The Chinar belongs to our history and identity, and protecting it is our collective responsibility,” he said.
The EPG Convener urged the Chief Minister to direct the concerned departments to prioritise Chinar preservation, particularly in Ganderbal, and ensure that felling is considered only as a last resort after all feasible alternatives have been examined.
“Kashmir needs development, but not at the cost of its identity. True progress lies in building better infrastructure while protecting the natural heritage we must pass on to future generations,” Bakshi added.
Represe time picture is that of Popolar pf Baramulla road subject to correction my great grandfather had done Tapaseya for years under Chinar tree at Manigam still carries name but not tree Shakereen Boyian his name was Shanker nath Parimoo