jOn 13th April 2026, the Sericulture Development Department issued an order stopping the cutting of 62 mulberry trees around Canal Avenue between Rawalpora bridge to Baghe Mehtab Mochwa in Srinagar. The order was issued after this author highlighted the axing of some 6 to 7 matured trees on April 12th afternoon. A local friend from Mochwa Baghe Mehtab sent me pics of the axed trees on April 12th 2026 and I immediately posted the same on social media and there was a massive public resentment. The post went viral and within a few hours it was viewed by almost 1 lakh people.Director Sericulture J&K Mr Ajaz Ahmad Bhat responded within a few hours. The officer was in Delhi but he assured to get this work stopped.Next day on April 13th 2026 he issued a fresh order to stop the feeling of these trees. The permission given by the Sericulture Department earlier to cut down 62 fully grown trees was cancelled immediately.

Request for Axing of 92 Mulberry trees 

The Roads and Buildings DepartmentRajbagh division Srinagar had originally requested removal of 92 mulberry trees for widening the Bund Road. After field verification by the Additional Director of Sericulture and consultation with local officials, 62 trees were approved for removal through standing auction on 20th March 2026. It was only after protests from residents and sericulture workers that the Director stepped in and stopped the process.This article covers every aspect of what Srinagar stands to lose if these trees are cut — oxygen, health, clean air,........

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