EPG Strongly Denounces Felling of Centuries-Old Chinar Trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag
Srinagar, February 26, 2025 – The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has strongly condemned the deeply distressing felling of centuries-old Chinar trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag. These trees, believed to be over 500 years old, hold immense historical, cultural, and ecological value. Their destruction represents a blatant violation of the laws established to protect such heritage and a grave injustice to the legacy of Kashmir.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Chinar trees in Rani Bagh are not just symbols of natural beauty; they are also environmental beacons, offering vital ecological benefits such as temperature regulation, biodiversity support, and an antidote to shrinking green cover. The felling of these trees undermines the region’s cultural ethos and ecological stability.
Geo-Tagging Initiative
This tragic event comes on the heels of an important geo-tagging initiative undertaken by the Jammu and Kashmir government, which aimed to safeguard Chinar trees across the region. The initiative, known as the “Tree Aadhaar” mission, involves conducting a census of Chinar trees and assigning each tree a unique identity to monitor and protect them effectively.
Recent Incidents and Concerns
It is highly alarming that this incident is not isolated. Recent infrastructure development projects, including the widening of the Narbal-Delina road, saw the uprooting of over 100 Chinar trees. Earlier, EPG protested the cutting of Chinar trees in the parking area of the Wildlife Warden Kashmir’s office at Hokersar Wetland. The widening of the Narabal-Baramulla Road has further exacerbated the situation, leading to the removal of several Chinars along the route up to Delina.
Failure to Enforce Conservation Laws
Such actions have raised serious concerns about the failure to enforce existing conservation laws, such as the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969. This act, alongside the region’s Chinar Conservation Project, lays out clear restrictions on the felling of Chinar trees without appropriate permissions. The unapproved destruction of a revered and iconic element of Kashmir’s landscape and identity is a grave injustice to the legacy of the region.
EPG’s Demands
EPG demands an immediate and independent investigation into the felling of the Rani Bagh trees and any similar incidents stemming from infrastructure development or negligence. All those responsible for permitting or executing such destruction must be held accountable under the law. Furthermore, all ongoing and future projects that may pose risks to heritage trees must prioritize alternative solutions that preserve these valuable assets. The disregard for existing statutory protections must cease immediately, and decisive action must be taken by the administration to ensure meaningful implementation of conservation regulations.
Bottom-Line
The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) strongly denounces the deeply distressing felling of centuries-old Chinar trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag. These trees, believed to be over 500 years old, hold immense historical, cultural, and ecological value. Their destruction represents a blatant violation of the laws established to protect such heritage and a grave injustice to the legacy of Kashmir.
PRESS NOTE
