Tagged as ‘Chinar man of Kashmir’, Kupwara resident aims to plant 50,000 trees in lifetime

Kupwara, Jun 22: Abdul Ahad Khan, a 42-year-old labourer from NagriMalpora in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, has earned widespread appreciation for his dedicated efforts in preserving Kashmir’s natural heritage through the plantation of Chinar and other native trees across the valley.

Popularly known as the “Chinar Man of Kashmir”, a title conferred by the Forest Department, Khan has spent the past decade planting thousands of trees most notably the majestic Chinar, a species deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological landscape of Kashmir. His goal is to plant 50,000 trees in his lifetime.

“I started planting trees around ten years ago after noticing the gradual decline in forest cover,” Khan told Greater Kashmir.

“My elders used to say that the loss of trees has contributed to less snowfall and irregular rainfall. I felt it was my responsibility to act”. The Chinar tree (Platanusorientalis), locally known as Bouin, has long been a symbol of Kashmir’s identity, with its presence visible in Mughal gardens, Shrines. Known for its expansive canopy and vibrant foliage, the Chinar not only holds cultural significance but also plays a vital ecological role supporting biodiversity, reducing carbon dioxide, and preventing soil erosion.

Despite having limited resources and working as a daily-wage labourer, Khan has continued his plantation drive with remarkable consistency. He often travels to remote areas, sometimes on foot, carrying saplings with the hope of restoring lost greenery.

His efforts, though praised by the public and officials alike, are not without challenges. Khan says the cost of procuring saplings and arranging transport makes it difficult to expand his work. He hopes the government will support his initiative through formal employment or assistance in procuring saplings.

“If I could get a position in the forest department, I would be able to dedicate myself fully to this work,” he said. “Right now, it’s difficult to manage both my livelihood and the plantation work”.

In a positive development, the government has recently introduced a programme to tag Chinar trees with QR codes for digital monitoring and conservation. However, environmentalists argue that grassroots efforts like Khan’s deserve institutional support.

Commenting on the issue, columnist Dr. Basharat Khan said, “Chinars are not just trees; they are part of Kashmir’s living history. When they disappear, we lose not just greenery but a connection to our past. People like Abdul Ahad Khan are doing what institutions should be doing at scale”.

Locals across Kupwara and beyond have hailed Khan’s mission as a noble example of individual commitment to environmental conservation. As climate change and deforestation pose increasing threats to the Valley, Khan’s initiative stands as a reminder that sustainable change often begins at the grassroots.