Kashmir's Broken Canopy

A recent video of workers cutting a “centuries-old chinar” in Kashmir went viral. The branches lay scattered on the road, and people gathered glumly around the stump. Many spoke with sadness. Some were angry. The tree had seen generations grow up around it. Losing it felt like losing a small part of home.

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The public reaction showed that the worry is no longer about a single tree. Kashmir is watching a slow disappearance of its iconic canopy that shaped its landscape and memories.

For decades, chinars stood at the heart of life in the valley. They shaded busy markets, village squares, schoolyards and shrine courtyards. Children played under them. Families took photos beneath their autumn leaves. These trees gave colour and calm to places that held everyday stories.