In the quiet village of Nagri Malpora in Kupwara, far from the bustle of Srinagar, lives a man who has dedicated his life to reviving one of Kashmir’s most iconic symbols — the Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis).
At 43 years old, Abdul Ahad Khan has become known across the Valley as the “Chinar Man of North Kashmir.” A daily-wage laborer by profession, Khan has no wealth, no political influence, and no corporate backing. Yet, armed with nothing more than his love for nature, he has planted thousands of trees, particularly Chinars, transforming barren landscapes into thriving green sanctuaries.
The Chinar: Kashmir’s Living Heritage
To understand Khan’s mission, one must first understand the Chinar itself. Locally called Boen, this majestic tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, with a trunk so wide that several people can stand around it. Its large, maple-like leaves turn a brilliant crimson in autumn, painting the Valley in fiery shades of red and gold.
Historically, Chinars have been more than just trees in Kashmir:
Cultural Symbol: From the Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishat to village shrines, Chinars have stood as a backdrop to Kashmiri life for centuries.
Spiritual Presence: Many Chinars were planted near mosques and Sufi shrines, becoming places of reflection and community gathering.
Ecological Role: Their vast canopies regulate temperature, absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity.
Yet, due to rampant urbanization, climate change, and neglect, their numbers have dwindled dramatically over the last few decades.
A Mission Born from Loss
Khan’s journey began in 2007, when he noticed that Chinars were disappearing from his village. Alarmed by what this meant for both ecology and heritage, he decided to take action on his own.
He began by collecting twigs and branches from old Chinars, experimenting with planting them in empty patches of land. His early attempts were challenging — out of 12 saplings, only 4 survived — but those four successes became the foundation of his lifelong mission.
Since then, Khan has worked tirelessly, balancing labor jobs during the day and tending to saplings in the mornings and evenings. His philosophy is simple:
“The forest is like my heart. If anyone were to harm even a twig of these trees, it would feel like a dagger piercing me.”
Achievements Over 16 Years
Khan’s individual efforts have snowballed into an environmental movement in North Kashmir. Some of his most remarkable contributions include:
Over 2,000 Chinar Trees Planted: Across Kupwara, including forests, parks, and villages.
Hatmulla Forest Transformation: Converted 20 hectares of barren land into a Chinar plantation with more than 300 trees.
Nargi-Wari Park Development: Actively collaborated with the Forest Department to establish this park, now a recreational hub for locals.
Support to Nurseries: Provided 700+ cuttings of Chinar to forest nurseries, ensuring mass propagation.
Low Sapling Failure Rate: His practical methods — such as fencing saplings with thorn bushes to protect them from grazing animals — have earned him admiration from officials.
Khan does not just plant trees; he tends to them daily, watering, fertilizing, and monitoring their growth. He even clears snow in winters to keep them alive.
Recognition and Honors
Khan’s dedication has earned him wide recognition:
The Forest Department conferred upon him the title “Chinar Man of North Kashmir.”
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sagar Dattatray Doifode publicly praised his efforts as “historic and commendable.”
Local communities see him as a guardian of Kashmir’s living heritage, often inviting him to guide plantation drives.
Yet, Khan remains humble. He sees his work as an act of service rather than a career. His only wish is that the government or NGOs provide him with more saplings and logistical support so that he can expand his mission.
A Life of Sacrifice
Unlike many environmentalists who work with grants or organizations, Khan’s efforts are self-funded. He spends his own meager earnings as a laborer on saplings, fertilizers, and transport.
His commitment has come at a personal cost:
He chose not to marry, believing family life might pull him away from his mission.
He has endured ridicule and skepticism from some neighbors, who once dismissed his work as a waste of time.
He sacrificed economic security, choosing to plant Chinars instead of cultivating crops that might bring income.
Despite the challenges, his mother, Jannat Begum, remains his biggest supporter. She proudly says: “He cares for both his mothers — me and Mother Earth.”
Spiritual Connection
Khan views his work through a spiritual lens. He considers tree planting a form of Sadaq-e-Jariya (continuous charity) in Islam, a deed that keeps bringing blessings even after death.
For him, each tree is not just a sapling but a living legacy that will shade generations to come. He once recalled seeing a bear with her cubs resting among the Chinars he planted — a moment he describes as the ultimate reward, proof that nature itself acknowledges his effort.
The Larger Message
In an era when climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation threaten Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem, Khan’s work carries a powerful message:
Conservation doesn’t always need massive funding or policies.
Grassroots efforts can often achieve what large institutions struggle to do.
Protecting heritage trees like the Chinar is as important as modern conservation strategies.
A Call for Support
Abdul Ahad Khan dreams of planting 50,000 Chinars in his lifetime. With proper backing, this goal is achievable. His story is a call to action for:
Government bodies to support grassroots conservationists.
Environmental NGOs to provide saplings, fencing, and logistical aid.
Kashmiris and tourists alike to join in tree planting drives, ensuring the Valley remains green and culturally vibrant.
From a humble laborer to a celebrated guardian of heritage, Abdul Ahad Khan has shown that one person’s conviction can reshape landscapes and restore traditions.
The next time you sit under the sprawling shade of a Chinar in Kashmir, think of the Chinar Man of North Kashmir — a man who chose passion over comfort, sacrifice over security, and trees over everything else.
His life’s mission is a timeless reminder: real heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes, they carry saplings.
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