As Chinar leaves switch colour from green to golden brown with the onset of Autumn, the dwindling number of these majestic trees raises question mark on preservation measures by the government.It is stated that around 42,000 Chinars existed in Kashmir over 50 years ago. As per census 28,000 Chinar trees were found in the valley with at least one third of these diseased or damaged. Chinars hold immense religious, cultural and environmental importance in Kashmir.

History of Chinars is traced centuries back when Islamic preachers travelled to Kashmir from Central Asia. As per historians, Chinar saplings were brought from Hamdan area in Iran to Kashmir by noted Islamic preacher Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) in 1372. Oldest Chinar, over 650 years old, in Kashmir exists near a masjid at Chattergam in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.Chinars flourished during the Mughal rule in Kashmir. Mughals treated chinars like royal trees and decorated Mughal Gardens with these majestic trees. Mughals planted more than 1100 Chinars at Naseem bagh on the banks of Dal Lake besides Bijbehara, Budgam, Kokernag and Anantnag. Many of the remaining Chinars are still present at these places. Dogra rulers ensured conservation of Chinars and banned its felling and declared Chinars as government property.

The recent statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defending felling of some Chinar trees in Ganderbal district to pave way for road widening and addressing growing traffic congestion has triggered resentment among opposition political parties and........

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