Decayed Chinar tree poses risk to students, commuters in Warpora Handwara

Kupwara, Dec 6: A decades-old decaying chinar tree standing at the boundary wall of Upper Primary School Warpora in Handwara has triggered safety concerns among residents, who warn that its fragile structure poses a threat to hundreds of schoolchildren and daily commuters on the Handwara–Pahaldaji road.

Villagers say the tree has dried up over the years, with large hollow patches, weak branches and a visibly unstable trunk. With winter underway and strong winds common in the region, locals fear even a mild storm or snowfall could cause it to collapse.

“The children walk right under it every day. A slight gust of wind could bring it down,” said a teacher, adding that students often gather near the wall during school hours. The same stretch of the road also sees movement of buses, autos, two-wheelers and pedestrians throughout the day.

Residents said the chinar stands at a key spot where the school boundary, main pathway and road converge, increasing the vulnerability for anyone passing by.

Despite repeated pleas, they allege the concerned department has shown no urgency. “I am unable to understand why authorities are reluctant to cut down this tree. Are they waiting for an untoward incident?” asked social activist Shanawaz Lone. “We approached the officials many times, but nothing moved.”

Locals fear that if the tree falls, it could damage the school infrastructure as well as endanger dozens of students who use the corridor daily.

The villagers have now sought the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, urging the administration to take preventive action before snowfall intensifies. “A timely decision can avert a tragedy. Removing or pruning the tree will secure the school and the road users,” the residents said.

They added that while preserving chinar heritage is important, public safety must take precedence when a tree becomes structurally unsafe.