Asia’s oldest Chinar, estimated to be 650 years old, being protected in Budgam: Govt

Srinagar: Asia’s oldest Chinar tree, estimated to be around 650 years old and located in Chattergam area of Budgam, is being protected through various preservation measures, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

The information was provided in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi regarding measures for the protection of Chinar trees.

The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department said some of the tree’s old and dried branches had fallen naturally, while the remaining portion of the tree continues to remain green.

An iron fence has been erected around the critical root zone to prevent soil compaction and root suffocation and to restrict vehicular movement near the tree.

The Government said around 30,000 Chinar trees have been surveyed across Kashmir as part of a census conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI), excluding trees located inside security campuses and installations.

It attributed the decline in the Chinar population to natural ageing and senescence, diseases and pests, felling linked to developmental activities, shrinking land availability and population growth, among other factors affecting the species.

Several conservation and protection measures have also been introduced, particularly in Budgam. Under existing regulations, no person is permitted to cut even a branch of a Chinar without prior approval from the local administration.

Carving on Chinar trees, fixing signboards with nails or hammers, and damaging their bark or roots are also prohibited. Violations can invite action under the applicable rules.

The Government said the Department of Floriculture plants new Chinar saplings every year to replace trees that have been damaged or pruned. Government offices, private institutions and members of the public are also being encouraged to undertake Chinar plantation, with saplings provided free of cost.

The Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks has planted 709 Chinar saplings in its gardens and parks over the past three years. During the same period, 7,134 saplings were distributed free of cost to the public, educational institutions, security installations and other institutions across Kashmir.

The Government further said lime or an appropriate pruning paste is recommended on cut portions whenever permission is granted to prune Chinar branches.

Regarding Chinar trees affected by developmental projects, the Government said permission for pruning or cutting is issued by the competent authority in the Revenue Department.

In Budgam, 70 orders were issued during the past three years for the lopping of dried or hazardous Chinar branches. The department also received 161 requests seeking permission to prune such branches, of which 130 were disposed of after obtaining technical opinions.

Applications for pruning are processed within the prescribed timeframe. Site inspections are conducted between March and November to assess the condition of the trees and avoid misinterpretation of their health during the dormant winter period.