Historical Trees Chopped! Srinagar College Faces Scrutiny for Environmental Lapse
It is to our utmost horror that we have witnessed the irreversible damage being inflicted upon these living monuments. Each tree held in its bosom thousands of stories and were a part of the fabric of the college’s soul. college alumni
The alumni of Amar Singh College and civil society members expressed deep concern today over the recent tree-cutting decisions on the campus of the college. They called for a high-level inquiry into the incident.
In a letter to the college, the alumni said the decision, which was made on World Arbor Day, lacked environmental sensitivity. They called for deliberation to preserve the college’s heritage, alleging that the trees were cut without permission from the DFO, Social Forestry, Srinagar. “We, the alumni of Amar Singh College and the members of the civil society, are writing to you today with a deep sense of concern and urgency regarding the recent decision to cut down historical poplar trees at the college,” the letter read.
“As a cherished part of our cultural heritage, these trees represent not only the natural beauty of this historic college but collective history of thousands of students who have walked in through its gates,” it added.
“It is to our utmost horror that we have witnessed the irreversible damage being inflicted upon these living monuments. Each tree held in its bosom thousands of stories and were a part of the fabric of the college’s soul,” the letter continued. The letter says the decision to cut down these historical trees without adequate public consultations or consideration for alternative solutions is not only a disservice to our cultural heritage, but also a violation of our collective responsibility to preserve and protect the environment.
The alumni have sought a high-level enquiry be held into whether adequate thought was given to the course of actions and what alternatives were considered.
Meanwhile, Amid concerns among the public over the felling of trees, the Amar Singh College administration on Friday issued a clarification to explain the circumstances surrounding the issue.
“Recently, tree auction was conducted by the Forest Development Corporation in Amar Singh College and consequent upon that cutting of Willow / Robina and Poplar trees was done under due process of law. Several people expressed their concern regarding the felling of green avenue of college on social media. The college administration came across lot of lapses and misinformation circulating on the social media regarding the issue. Therefore, we deem it our responsibility to clarify the matter in public interest,” said a college spokesman, in a written statement.
He said the necessity for tree removal stems from the aftermath of the 2014 floods in Kashmir, during which the college remained submerged for an extended period. “The resultant damage to infrastructure and weakening of trees posed safety hazards, with numerous instances of uprooting observed during minor windstorms. Recognizing the imminent danger to students, staff, and visitors, the college administration received and documented numerous safety and health-related grievances, necessitating urgent action,” he added.
In response, the college engaged with the Social Forestry Department in 2018-19 to address the safety concerns posed by the aging trees. Subsequently, the trees were numbered and put up for auction by the J&K State Forest Corporation. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the auction process faced delays, prolonging the safety risks posed by the deteriorating trees.
Community members residing near the college repeatedly raised concerns about the potential threats posed by these aged trees, prompting representations before the district administration. Additionally, grievances regarding health issues caused by poplar pollen seeds were communicated to the college administration. Instances of tree falls during windstorms within the college campus further underscored the urgency of the situation.
Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the decision to remove the trees became inevitable, considering their age and the persistent safety threats they posed. Notably, the college has initiated a plantation drive to compensate for the loss, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, said the spokesman.
In emphasizing the paramount importance of student safety, the college administration assures stakeholders of its unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment. Plans to enhance the college’s aesthetic appeal, including the construction of a see-through gate and installation of a modern fountain, further underscore its commitment to preserving its legacy while embracing positive change.
The college appeals to all stakeholders to trust in its efforts aimed at the betterment of the institution, acknowledging that progress often necessitates difficult decisions.
