Srinagar, Feb 26, KDC: A controversy has erupted over the alleged felling of green Chinar trees in Anantnag’s Rani Bagh, with National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter. However, the District Floriculture Office has refuted the claims, stating that only pruning of dried and hazardous branches was carried out with due authorization to ensure public safety.
According to the Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, Veeri raised concerns after images circulating on social media purportedly showed Chinar trees being cut down in Rani Bagh public park. Calling it an act of vandalism, he urged authorities to take strict action. “These pictures must be reported to the National Green Tribunal for cognisance and accountability. Meanwhile, the Anantnag Deputy Commissioner should initiate a high-level inquiry, book the culprits for vandalising public property, and impose heavy fines as a deterrent,” he wrote on X.
Chinar trees are a protected species in Jammu and Kashmir, and their felling requires permission from the divisional commissioner’s office, granted only after reports from the tehsildar and district floriculture officer.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also reacted strongly, condemning the alleged felling. “On even days, the Jammu and Kashmir government geotags Chinar trees to promote conservation, but on odd days, 500-year-old Chinar trees symbolising history and the passage of time are felled. Infuriating and puzzling. No excuse whatsoever can justify this travesty,” she posted on X.
Environment activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat alleged that the felling was carried out under the guise of pruning. “Chinar trees in the middle of Rani Bagh in Anantnag have been vandalised under the garb of lopping. I am feeling depressed,” he stated.
However, the District Floriculture Office Anantnag has strongly denied these allegations, calling them misleading. “It has come to our notice that false information is being circulated regarding illegal tree felling in Rani Bagh, which is factually incorrect and baseless. Only pruning of dried and hazardous branches of old Chinar trees was carried out with due authorization to ensure public safety,” a department official said.
The official further stated that the process was conducted transparently through an open auction on January 9, 2025, under the supervision of the District Floriculture Officer and in compliance with regulations.
“The public has been advised to refrain from sharing misleading information and have been asked to verify facts from the concerned authorities,” he added
Meanwhile, demands for an inquiry persist, as the issue continues to stir debate in political and environmental circles. (KDC)