Residents call for saving Chamba’s chinar trees

Nature-loving residents of Chamba have raised concerns over the dwindling number of chinar trees in the region, attributing their decline to rapid urbanisation. Once a common sight, these majestic trees have now become rare, and the few that remain are under threat from invasive creepers that are slowly engulfing them.

Residents have urged the local administration to step in and take immediate measures to protect the surviving chinar trees. They have also called for a large-scale plantation drive to restore the lost greenery and ensure the preservation of this iconic species.

“The chinar tree is not just a part of our environment but also a symbol of our heritage. If urgent steps are not taken, we might lose them forever,” said a local environmentalist and Bravery Award “Jeevan Rakshak Padak” awardee Naveneet Chowfla.

There are few majestic chinar trees left in Chamba, said Chowfla, one huge tree near Zonal Hospital and other near museum and some in other parts of the town but are under threat due to creepers slowly sucking their life.

He also appealed authorities to launch conservation efforts, remove the harmful creepers, and initiate new Chinar plantations to restore the ecological balance of the region.

Chowfla said he recently met Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chamba Mukesh Repaswal and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kritagya Kumar to discuss launching a large-scale Chinar tree plantation drive.

As part of this initiative, we are planning to procure chinar saplings Kashmir. The Deputy Commissioner and Forest Department have assured full support for the campaign, he said.

Emphasising the importance of collective action in increasing greenery, Chowfla said people of Chamba must unite and work to save these trees. He also urged environmentally conscious citizens, institutions, youth organizations, and nature lovers to actively participate in the initiative by planting as many trees as possible to make the planet greener and healthier.

The chinar tree (Platanus orientalis), belonging to the Platanaceae family, is a maple-like tree with a huge canopy and is found in cool climates. It is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Mughals. While Jammu and Kashmir is home to most of India’s chinar population, smaller numbers can also be found in Himachal Pradesh mainly places like Shimla and Dharamsala.