Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 13: The Directorate of Sericulture Development Department, J&K, has stopped the proposed felling of 62 mulberry trees along the Bund Road (Canal Avenue) stretch from Mochu Bridge to Rawalpora Bridge, suspending its earlier approval following concerns from stakeholders.
In an order issued today, the department said the permission granted for tree removal has been withheld with immediate effect, citing representations from local residents, particularly those linked to the sericulture sector.
The move has now led to the reversal of an earlier decision that had allowed the removal of 62 trees through a supervised process.
The approval itself was a scaled-down version of an initial proposal by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, which had sought the felling of 92 mulberry trees to facilitate road widening.
Officials said the earlier clearance was based on field assessments, public feedback, and a report submitted by the Additional Director of the Sericulture Development Department, which had recommended limited removal.
Following the latest decision, stakeholders and local voices expressed relief, stating that sustained efforts and sensitisation helped prevent the axing of the remaining trees.
They also acknowledged the intervention of Director Sericulture Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, who, despite being out of station, issued the order to stop the felling.
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