Budgam, Sep 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that a historic Chinar tree in Chattergam, Budgam, is believed to be around 650 years old and is considered among the oldest Chinar trees in Asia.

The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department said several old and dried branches of the tree have fallen naturally, while the remaining portions continue to remain green.

As part of conservation efforts, an iron fence has been installed around the tree’s critical root zone to prevent soil compaction, protect its roots and stop vehicles from moving close to the tree.

The department said Chinar trees are protected under strict regulations, and cutting even a single branch requires prior permission from the local administration.

It also prohibited activities that may damage the trees, including driving nails into their trunks, installing signboards, carving on the bark and damaging their bark or roots.

The information was provided in response to a question raised by Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi.

The department attributed the decline in Chinar numbers across Kashmir to natural ageing, diseases, pest attacks and felling linked to developmental activities. Increasing population and limited availability of land have also contributed to the decline.

The government said various conservation measures are being undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir to protect and preserve Chinar trees, particularly those of historical and ecological importance.