Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 24: A massive decades-old chinar tree was felled near the Ganapora bus stop in the Kralgund area of north Kashmir’s Handwara today.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
The felling took place during ongoing construction work on National Highway-701, sparking concern among residents and environmental observers.
Locals said the incident has heightened worries over the impact of infrastructure projects on protected and heritage trees.
They urged authorities to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation and described the axing as a significant loss to the natural heritage.
Chinar trees, regarded as an integral part of Kashmir’s ecological and cultural landscape, hold immense environmental and symbolic value in the Valley.
MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone termed the incident a matter of “grave concern,” stressing that environmental protection must remain a priority.
“Environment is of paramount importance, and such actions are deeply concerning. We urge the Government and the administration to ensure that trees are not axed indiscriminately. Road alignments should be planned in a way that preserves these trees,” he said.
The legislator said the issue has been taken up with the concerned authorities, calling for immediate steps to prevent further loss.
He also highlighted the need for compensatory plantation, noting that such measures have not been adequately implemented in recent highway projects.
“On the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, there was a provision for plantation in case of tree felling, but we have not seen that happening. In many cases, roads have been constructed in a manner that leaves little scope for replantation,” Lone added.
He said there is growing public concern over tree felling and stressed that authorities must find ways to safeguard such heritage trees without hindering developmental works.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
