Shhadok Chinar capitulates

CHITRAL, 31 May 07: A historic Chinar tree believed to be over 140 years and having a girth of seven feet in diameter perched on the eastern hill of Chitral town overlooking the Fort, has fallen down eventually.

There are different stories about the origion of this Chinar. One story goes that the tree came up after a saint stuck his walking stick into the ground there. Another story says it was planted by Asaqal Fateh Ali Shah who had gone there for hunting.

The tree was prominently visible in Chitral town despite being at a height of 5000 ft from ground level. The majestic Chinar had a spring under it which provided it the water to survive so long. Hunters and high altitude log poachers used the Chinar as a shelter. Callously these people had burnt up most of the hollow part of the trunk by igniting fire inside the trunk for heating up and cooking purposes.

Chitral News reporter who visited the Chinar two years back says the breakdown of this gigantic Chinar is totally due to human cruelty towards other beings including plants..