In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Officials of Bhaderwah Forest Division claimed to have found world's largest and perhaps the oldest Cedar tree in Bhalessa area of Doda district and are projecting it to be declared as a heritage site. The visibly different tree because of its gigantic size, also holds religious significance for the locals as they (Nag followers) believe it to be pious and offer prayers there. DFO Bhaderwah Chander Shekhar said that the cedar has 54 ft diameter trunk size and 35 ft breast size, which is the largest of this species (Cedrus Deodara) in the world as per the data available and seems to be the oldest one as well. DFO further said that the department will refer this to FSI (Forest Survey of India) to calculate its exact age and meanwhile, it will be projected to be declared as a heritage site for its unique size. Meanwhile, residents of the panchayat and adjoining areas led by PRI members of all three tiers including Sarpanch, BDC Chairman Abbas Rather, and DDC member Changa Nadeem Sharief Niaz have demanded that Govt. should officially declare the tree as the largest in the world and the area be brought under tourism map. DDC Councilor Nadeem Sharief Niaz sanctioned 10 lakh rupees for the beautification of the site around the tree so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Mammoth cedar tree.