Div Com imposes ban on lopping/felling of Chinar trees

Srinagar, March 04: Taking strong note of the alleged complaints from ecologists, environmentalists, NGOs and especially media that reckless lopping and felling of Chinar is taking place in every nook and corner of the Valley, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Masaud Samoon has imposed a blanket ban on felling and lopping of Chinar.

The Divisional Commissioner said that Chinar is the heritage of Kashmir unparallel in beauty, strength and size amongst the trees of Kashmir. It 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 permission for felling of Chinar tree can only be granted if five new Chinar trees are planted against one felling/lopping, which is not being done.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has also directed all Deputy Commissioners that permissions for felling/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 shall be referred to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for review and orders.(NAK)