Srinagar, July 27: A majestic green Chinar was chopped down in broad daylight at Bone and Joints Hospital in the City drawing flak from various quarters who have sought a probe into the “killing of heritage tree.”
 Eye witnesses said centuries old Green Chinar was chopped down despite resistance from many at the hospital.
 Last year also a green Chinar was chopped down at the hospital while the “authorities hushed up the issue.”
 Sources in the hospital said the aghast visitors and some doctors Wednesday at once approached the office of Divisional Commissioner Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon seeking his intervention into the “rampant destruction of heritage trees” by the hospital administration.
 “The divisional administration should probe as to who is behind this conspiracy where the Chinar logs go after being chopped,” a delegation of B&J Hospital doctors said adding that they smell a rat in the deal.
 The doctors also appealed the Health Minister Dr RS Chib to look into the matter on priority basis.
 Civil society is aghast on the issue. “It takes centuries for a Chinar to gain its majestic size and shape… Our heritage is being destroyed under a well planned conspiracy and this needs to be probed if the government is truly serious towards Kashmir,” said Valley Citizen’s Council General Secretary Imdad Saki.
 Imdad Saki alleged that the authorities concerned for the conservation of Chinars have miserably failed in their endeavour.
 Despite repeated attempts the hospital administration couldn’t be contacted for comments. When contacted the person who picked up the phone of Deputy Medical Superintendent said: “He has gone on a party please call after an hour.”

Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST