Geo-Tagging Saves Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees

Kashmir’s majestic chinar trees, long considered a symbol of its cultural and natural heritage, face growing threats from urbanization and infrastructure projects. To preserve and monitor these iconic trees, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ initiative, providing each chinar tree with a unique digital identity. This ambitious project integrates technology to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and raise awareness about these remarkable trees.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

About the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ Initiative

• Purpose: To monitor, protect, and manage the health of every chinar tree in Kashmir.
• Concept: Modeled after India’s Aadhaar system, every tree is assigned a unique ID
• Technology Used: Geo-tagging with Geographic Information System (GIS), Quick Response (QR) codes, and metal cards featuring barcodes for public scanning.

Current Scope and Progress

• Trees Tagged: Around 10,000 trees have been metal card-tagged so far.
• Chinar Census: A systematic survey started in 2021, geo-tagging 28,560 chinar trees to date.
• Future Expansion: Chinars in Jammu’s Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal Valley will also be included.
• Top Trees: Recording of the top 20 chinars, including the world’s third-largest chinar (girth: 74 ft) in Ganderbal district.

Significance and Benefits

• Tourism: Tourists can scan QR codes to learn about the tree’s age, height, and history.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Chinars provide critical habitats for bird species like crows and kites.
• Carbon Sequestration: Chinars play a key role in absorbing carbon and mitigating climate change.
• Cultural Heritage: Recognized as part of Kashmir’s folklore, literature, religious practices, and historical landmarks.

Historical and Cultural Importance of Chinars

• Origins: Introduced to Kashmir by Islamic preachers from Central Asia and Persia over 400 years ago.
• Oldest Tree: A 700-year-old chinar in Budgam district, planted by Sufi saint Syed Qasim Shah, is the oldest recorded tree.
• Mughal Legacy: Planted extensively in Srinagar’s Mughal gardens like Naseem Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Garden in the 16th century.
• Religious Symbolism: Chinar trees are revered by both Hindus and Muslims, forming part of settings at shrines like Hazratbal and temples like Kheer Bhawani.
• Bollywood Appeal: Featured in numerous iconic Bollywood films, symbolizing romance and nostalgia.

Conservation Challenges

• Threats: Urbanization, infrastructure development, and illegal felling.
• Population Decline: Once numbering 40,000, the chinar population in Kashmir has seen steady decline due to highway expansion and other projects.

Future Plans

• Chinar Atlas: Creation of a comprehensive database of chinar trees in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Digital Accessibility: Empowering citizens and tourists to actively engage in conservation efforts through digital tools.