JAMMU, March 30 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government cannot permit indiscriminate felling of walnut trees as it could severely impact the region's economy and identity.
He said the Union Territory is contributing nearly 3.5 lakh tonnes - over 90 per cent of the country's total walnut production. Opposing the private members' bill moved by National Conference legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani seeking amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees, Act, to grant owners the free will to cut Walnut trees on their land, Abdullah said, while land and trees may belong to individuals, restrictions on cutting them exist for valid reasons, including conservation and long-term economic interest...