Bhat Yasir
Kashmir is witnessing a troubling decline in its iconic Chinar trees, a species deeply tied to its cultural and natural heritage.
From an estimated 42,000 trees in the 1970s, current figures reveal a stark drop, with ongoing estimates placing the number between 17,000 and 34,000.
A recent census suggests approximately 32,500 Chinars remain as of 2025, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
Environmentalists and locals alike attribute this decline to rapid urbanization, infrastructure projects, and neglect.
Large-scale road projects, including highways, rural road expansions, and the ambitious ring road construction, have seen thousands of trees axed in the name of development.
The Chinar, a symbol of Kashmir’s identity, has not been spared despite earlier bans on its felling. Over the years, rules around cutting Chinars have seen relaxation, allowing for their removal under “special circumstances,” further endangering this heritage tree.
Historically, the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act of 1996 prohibited the cutting or removal of Chinar trees without explicit permission from the divisional commissioner, even on private lands.
In 2009, the government reinforced this stance by imposing a ban on the felling and lopping of Chinars, allowing exceptions only if five new Chinar saplings were planted for each tree removed.
However, between 2009 and 2022, data reveals that over 1,400 Chinars were felled in Kashmir for various projects, including urban expansion and road construction.
In addition, more than 13,000 Chinars are reportedly in a deteriorated state, and only 7,000 Chinar saplings have been planted in the past two decades.
In addition to the Chinar, a range of other trees have been cut down for various infrastructure projects. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) — a government scheme aimed at improving rural road connectivity — has led to the destruction of thousands of dry fruit trees, including walnuts and apples, and even deodar trees.
These trees, which have long been a vital part of Kashmir’s agriculture and environment, are being felled to make way for better road access.
The Ring Road project, which accounted to loss of 1,10,000 trees, as per an RTI, has contributed to deforestation, axing numerous trees across several districts.
These roads are essential for the region’s connectivity, but experts warn that the loss of these trees, many of which are centuries-old, will have long-term ecological consequences.
The loss of Chinar and other tree species has raised concerns among health experts and environmentalists, who emphasize the ecological and public health consequences.
Dr. Asim, an environmental health expert, explained, “The loss of tree cover, especially Chinars, is contributing to rising temperatures in Kashmir. The region has already experienced a 2.00°C increase in maximum temperatures and 1.10°C in minimum temperatures between 1980 and 2020. These changes are directly linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and heat-related stress, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.”
Another expert, Dr. Sameena, added, “Deforestation disrupts the delicate balance of Kashmir’s ecosystem. With rainfall deficits like 29 percent in 2024, the region faces heightened risks of soil erosion, water scarcity, and crop failures. These factors inevitably lead to malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and mental health challenges in affected communities.”
Rainfall patterns have also shown alarming changes, with Kashmir recording significant deficits over recent years.
The region saw a 28 percent deficit in 2021, 16 percent in 2022, 7 percent in 2023, and a staggering 29 percent in 2024. The average annual rainfall of 1,232 mm is no longer a guarantee, raising concerns about agriculture, water availability, and the broader ecological balance.
The health of the remaining Chinar trees is also in jeopardy. Shalimar Garden, home to 220 Chinars, has 30 trees in a dry condition, likely to fall within the next one to two years.
Similarly, Naseem Bagh, once home to 1,100 Chinars planted by Mughal Emperor Akbar, now retains only 700.
A 2021 study in the Shopian district recorded 1,808 Chinars, with nine percent found degraded.
Another 2018 study in south Kashmir revealed that nearly half of the region’s 4,358 Chinars were either degraded or senile, with Pulwama and Awantipora witnessing over 45 percent degradation.
Adding to this grim scenario, areas like Pampore and Tral have seen significant declines in Chinar populations between 1990 and 2014.
Pulwama’s numbers fell by 18 percent, Awantipora by 23.5 percent, Pampore by 19 percent, and Tral by 21 percent. Such data underscores the accelerating decline of this iconic tree.
In response to these alarming trends, the government launched the Chinar census project, aimed at mapping and protecting the remaining population.
So far, 28,500 trees have been geotagged, covering nearly 90 percent of the region, with the census expected to conclude by March 2025, the government said.
Government officials claim that tree planting drives and awareness campaigns are being conducted to restore Chinar populations. However, conservationists argue that these efforts lack the scale and urgency required.
“Counting trees alone won’t save them,” said Dr. Nasir, an ecologist. “While development is important, it cannot come at the cost of our environment. Chinars are not just trees; they are part of our history and our climate resilience. We need stricter enforcement of laws, a complete ban on cutting Chinars, and better urban planning to balance development with environmental protection.”