chinar trees are being felled rapidly in kashmir, although a recent ban has been enacted to curb cutting. chinar trees are now required to be registered and are considered state property. registered chinars are painted white at their base. increased awareness means most old chinars are protected and looked after; however, some new chinars must be cut as their growth can cause damage to roads and houses. chinars are considered as the symbols of the persian influence on the heritage of kashmir.