The Forest Division Kamraj(JKNS) celebrated Chinar Day on 15 March 2026 with great enthusiasm by organising plantation drives across various forest blocks of the division to promote the conservation of the iconic Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis), a symbol of Kashmir’s ecological and cultural heritage.
On the occasion, around 60 Chinar saplings were planted across several forest blocks including South Lolab, North Lolab, Kupwara, Kandi and Sopore, as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the traditional landscape of Kashmir.
Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, Sh. Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, personally supervised Chinar plantation at Satbaran Eco-Park Kalaroos and Kailvan in South Lolab, leading the plantation drive from the front. Interacting with officers, field staff and local participants on the occasion, the Conservator emphasised that plantation and ecological restoration remain the core focus of the Forest Department, and the department is committed to reviving the traditional landscape of Kashmir through large-scale plantation of indigenous species, particularly Chinar.
He stated that the Chinar tree is not merely a plant but a living symbol of Kashmir’s history, culture and environmental heritage, historically associated with shrines, village commons, schools and public spaces across the Valley. He urged local communities to actively participate in protecting newly planted saplings so that future generations can continue to witness the majestic Chinars that define Kashmir’s identity.
The Conservator further highlighted that the Forest Department has been undertaking sustained initiatives for the preservation and propagation of Chinar, including raising quality planting stock in departmental nurseries, organising plantation drives across districts and conducting awareness programmes to sensitise the public about the ecological and cultural importance of the species.
At Chak, Keegam (Kupwara), Chinar plantation was carried out with the active participation of local community members and personnel of Army 28/Keegam Company, reflecting strong civil–military cooperation in environmental conservation. At Lalpora, local women actively participated in the plantation drive, adding a meaningful dimension of community engagement and gender inclusivity to the programme.
Chinar saplings were also planted at Matchil, Kandi and the North Circle Office Sopore, involving officers and field staff of the Forest Department along with local residents.
Officials of the Forest Division stated that the celebration of Chinar Day serves as an important platform to encourage community participation in conservation efforts and revive the declining population of this heritage tree, reaffirming the department’s commitment to protect and promote one of Kashmir’s most cherished natural symbols.(JKNS)
