Kashmir University order threatens extinction of Chinar

The majestic chinar, known as the crown tree, has been part of Jammu and Kashmirs identity since it was introduced hundreds of years ago. In recent times the tree is facing the threat of extinction.

Srinagar, June 5 : The majestic chinar, known as the crown tree, has been part of Jammu and Kashmir's identity since it was introduced hundreds of years ago. In recent times the tree is facing the threat of extinction.

Environmentalists are protesting a Kashmir University order to build a guesthouse at Naseem Bagh, a garden area of Srinagar built by a Mughal emperor. This will threaten the existence of nearby chinar trees.

The students of Kashmir University, protesting against the construction of the guesthouse went on a two-day hunger strike last week.

"This garden is our national heritage. We cannot replace a chinar by another chinar within few years. Even if authorities expel us from the university, we'll continue our protest," pledged Inamul Haq, a university student.

Meanwhile, university vice chancellor Abdul Wahid said that the chinars are a great asset and university is not there to protect it. The guesthouse is being built about eight-metre away from the chinars, so the trees will not be damaged.

The chinar can only survive if construction takes place at a minimum distance of 50m, said State's chinar development officer. No one can stop the slow death of chinar if guesthouse is constructed, he added.

More than 30,000 chinars have been lost in the Valley in the past three decades. The number of chinar has declined fron 42,000 in 1976 to mere 16,000 at present.

ANI