Bandipora, Mar. 15 : Continuing its efforts in afforestation, department of Forest Bandipora, launch an afforestation drive of planting Chinar saplings, which have been a part of Kashmir”s heritage for generations.
on eve of Chinar Day, Bandipora Forest Division conducted chinar plantation drives at different locations viz- Kudara, Arin and Chitternar Forest Blocks. About 150 Chinar saplings were planted and the emphasis were laid on chinar plantation.
The Kashmir Valley”s Chinar trees have been an attraction for tourists for decades, and this rare tree is now on the verge of extinction due to deforestation.
“We are trying to protect the trees and create awareness among the new generation about it,” Divisional forest officer Bandipora, Shabir Ahmad.
Locals appreciated the move and said that such initiatives would promote an environment friendly nation.
“It is a very good step taken by the government and they should initiate such steps in future like Chinar should be planted more as there is problem of deforestation. These steps should be promoted within the nation in a bid to promote environment friendly nation,” said a local, Ab Jabar wani.
Pertinently,the number of Chinar trees, locally known as ”Boen”, has been dwindling since the last four decades.