Chinar شجر
Endangered Chinar Trees, Vivid Symbols of Elegance and Splendour, Face an Uncertain Future.
Enshrined in my memory are the Chinar trees, an endangered species that exudes a sense of majesty and extravagance. I recall my first meeting with these giants in 2011 at the Mountain Inn guesthouse, Chitral. The entrance garden boasts a magnificent Chinar tree, providing a haven from the summer sun, an ideal spot for chai and reprieve from the stifling heat. Unforgettable are the numerous instances of spirited chats with friends, shared laughter, and immersive reading and writing sessions beneath its comforting shade.
My solitary treks in Chitral were personal journeys of introspection, occasionally accompanied by a companion. These strolls amidst nature offered more than just an escape. They became a therapeutic exploration of my psyche, a balm for my wounds. Nature offered solace, whispering comfort to my sorrows, celebrations, and unspoken traumas. The Chinar trees became my confidants, offering protection. Come summer, I found peace observing their majestic trunks and soaking in the melodic bird calls that surrounded them. They possessed an allure that was both grand and welcoming, a paradox of rooted humility that beckoned me inward. They danced with the seasons, captivating the most in their autumnal splendour.
Recently, my attention was seized by a friend's video capturing the horrifying floods in Chitral. One scene, in particular, cut me to the core: numerous Chinar trees near the Shahi Fort, tumbling into the surging riverbank, uprooted by nature's fury. It felt like a personal loss, kindling a mix of pain, rage, and sadness. I was transported back to those peaceful walks near the fort, where the mere sight of these trees would infuse a sense of tranquility. They were my restorative forces, my natural healers. This unfortunate event feels like an obituary for nature.
As we grapple with the climate emergency, this poignant loss underscores the urgency for protecting these endangered sentinels and serves as a wake-up call for the global community.
