KNZ NEWS DESK
Buildings have been allowed to come up close to Chinar trees at various places in Ganderbal, which is a violation of rules.Such constructions have been allowed at several places,including the Government Degree College,and Physical Education College Ganderbal, the campus of which is dotted by a number of big Chinars.A few buildings in the campus are only a few feet away from the Chinar trees, although rules stipulate that no building should be constructed within 50 feet of a Chinar tree.Ganderbal resident Nuzhat Hameed had in an application under Right to Information Act asked the Ganderbal Chinar development officer about the measures taken to stop constructions in Chinar Bagh in Wanipora, Saloora.The officer had replied that only the revenue department is authorised to stop any construction.Local residents have criticised the authorities for allowing such constructions.
“Chinar is our identity. We are not against development, but this is unacceptable,” said Mudasir Ahmed, a member of the civil society Ganderbal.Ganderbal Chinar development officer Sofi Inam said the revenue department is the custodian of the Chinar and “we only can provide technical opinions in this regard to safeguard the Chinar trees”.Ganderbal deputy commissioner Dr Piyush Singhla said a committee comprising additional deputy commissioner, tehsildar and Chinar development officer will look into the issue of constructions near Chinar trees and submit its report to him.He said the ADC has been asked to notify rules regarding Chinar tree to all officials concerned.
