Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes CM Omar Abdullah Over Chinar Tree Felling Proposal
Mehbooba Mufti condemns CM Omar Abdullahs proposal to cut down centuries-old Chinar trees in Kashmir, citing threats to cultural heritage.
Srinagar, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for proposing the felling of centuries-old Chinar trees in Kashmir. She claims that such actions jeopardize the region’s rich heritage.
In a recent post on X, Mufti stated, “It takes generations for a Chinar to reach its full glory. Yet, Omar Abdullah believes that cutting down these ancient symbols of Kashmir can be compensated by planting new ones. You cannot replace centuries-old heritage with mere saplings!”
Mufti also referenced Abdullah’s past political tenure, bringing up a controversy related to Kashmiri Pashmina shawls. She remarked, “Ironically, while serving as the commerce minister in the NDA government led by the BJP, Omar Abdullah was involved in imposing a ban on the world-famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawl. Now, our Chinar trees are under threat. First, our weaving heritage was attacked, and now our living heritage is at risk. Kashmir is not something they can destroy by erasing its traditions and trees one by one.”
In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah argued that the old Chinar trees along the Bihaama-Khir Bhawani road in the Ganderbal area pose significant traffic obstacles. He emphasized the need for road widening, stating that relocating these trees is the only viable option given the increasing population and vehicle numbers.
Abdullah proposed planting eight to ten new Chinar saplings in secure alternative locations if the old trees are removed. However, environmental organizations have called for exploring alternative routes, design modifications, and other possibilities before proceeding with tree felling.
