India, March 31 -- Citing serious risks to the region's economy and identity, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that his Government will not allow indiscriminate felling of walnut trees. 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 inte...