Srinagar, Mar 2 (UNI) Expressing concern over the deficit snow and rainfall this winter, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the wanton felling of trees had created havoc and scientists predicted a grim scenario added.

Mr Azad said environment has changed over the years and the climatic changes are being seen across the world.

''Earlier our state used to receive ample snow in winter particularly during December and January, which used to prove beneficial as it froze and later sufficed for many months'', he said adding this year, there was very little snowfall and this may create problems in the summer.

Addressing a function at a local school here after inaugurating the Chinar Plantation Drive, the Chief Minister stressed the need for massive plantation to help preserve environment.

Trees are like children whose benefits increase with their growth, he said and added that as a child grows, gets education, he starts benefiting the society and likewise when a tree grows its benefits also increase manifold.

He said the state has many varities of trees and Chinar is one among them. He said probably no other place in the country has Chinars as we do have.

The Chief Minister said students and teachers have to pay attention towards preservation of environment and planting trees.

He said during militancy forests became one of the most affected areas and there is a dire need for afforestation.

Chinar plantation was particularly needed as it grows over hundreds of years and a Chinar planted today means it is for 10-12 generations, he said.

Mr Azad announced that about hundred prizes will be given to institutions who best maintain and preserve these newly planted Chinars.

UNI