Centuries-old trees on brink of extinction

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 23

Rapid urbanisation and greed for land has sounded deathknell to centuries-old Peepal trees (ficus religiosa) and banyan (bargad-ficus benghalensis) as no efforts are being made to save these majestic cultural remnants, as Jammu is moving towards becoming a Smart City.

During the last three decades, hundreds of residential colonies have sprang up and engulfed the forested area, which surrounded the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Laying of roads, lanes and other civic facilities have led to destruction of hundreds of ancient trees.

Some, which survived the axe are facing existential threat due to increased human intervention. These trees are last reminder of once vibrant eco-system of the temple city which was covered by heavy vegetation about three decades ago. During summer months they would act as halting point for the travellers before expansion of motor transport made its inroads.

“What chinar trees are to Kashmir these huge peepal trees are to Jammu. But we can not blame the government as greed among our people has also led to destruction. They are part of our culture but we have done nothing to save these trees”, recalled octogenarian Chuni Lal, who lives in Old Janipur.

Green patches have also slowly disappeared from the scene as concrete destroyed everything thing in its path. Present colonies in Roop nagar, Bantalab, upper Janipur, Udeywala, Sidhra, Bhatandi, Muthi, Kunjwani, Bantalab and Patoli-Paloura and exterior areas of Gandhi nagar, Trikuta nagar and Shastri nagar were full of trees and shrubs but these have now turned into concrete jungle.

“Saving green gold is not a priority for the Jammu Municipal Corporation, Forest Department and Roads and Building Department. Due to their works, centuries-old trees get chocked. Black topping is carried around them leading to their slow death”, said Bushan Parimoo, an environmentalist.

However, none of the official from the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) was available for comment.