Srinagar, Feb 26 – National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri has called for a high-level investigation into the alleged illegal felling of green Chinar trees in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The Bijbehara MLA reacted strongly after images surfaced on social media, purportedly showing Chinar trees being cut down in the Rani Bagh public park.
Veeri took to X (formerly Twitter), urging authorities to act immediately. "These pictures must be reported to the National Green Tribunal for cognizance and accountability. Meanwhile, the Anantnag deputy commissioner should initiate a high-level inquiry, book the culprits for vandalizing public property, and impose heavy fines as a deterrent!" he stated.
Chinar trees are protected in Jammu and Kashmir, and their felling or lopping requires prior approval from the divisional commissioner’s office. Such permissions are granted based on reports submitted by the tehsildar and the district floriculture officer.
The outrage was echoed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, who condemned the act on social media. "On even days, the Jammu and Kashmir government geotags Chinar trees, promoting conservation, but on odd days, 500-year-old Chinar trees symbolizing the history and the very passage of time itself are felled. Infuriating and puzzling. No excuse whatsoever can justify this travesty," she wrote on X.
Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat also raised concerns over the incident, alleging that the trees were being cut under the guise of pruning. "Chinar trees in the middle of Rani Bagh in Anantnag have been vandalized under the garb of lopping. I am feeling depressed," he expressed.
The alleged felling of these historically significant trees has sparked widespread criticism, with demands for accountability and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
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