Chinars dried up due to air and water pollution: Baig

Jammu, Mar 29 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government today said the old trees of 'chinar', the integral part of Kashmiri culture, had dried up during recent years due to air and water pollution.

Replying to a question in state Legislative Council, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig informed the House that the number of 'chinars' in the Kashmir Valley at present is only 22480 as against 24562, 50 years ago.

''It is a fact that some old 'chinar' trees have dried up during recent years and the growth of new plants has come down due to environmental changes,'' he said.

Expressing concern over the decreasing numbers of 'chinars', which grows up to a height of 25 meters, the Deputy CM said, ''various steps have been taken to preserve this beautiful identity of Kashmir.'' Besides, he said ''the 'chinars' are treated with insecticides, pesticides and fungicides by the Floriculture Department.'' UNI HGV HS DS1600