Geo-Tagging Helps Preserve Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees

Kashmir’s iconic chinar trees, known for their cultural and ecological significance, are increasingly threatened by urbanization and infrastructure development. In response, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ initiative, which aims to track and protect these iconic trees by assigning each one a unique digital identity.

This project uses advanced technology to safeguard biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and raise public 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 chinar trees across Kashmir.
• Concept: Similar to India’s Aadhaar system, each tree receives a unique identification number.
• Technology: Utilizes geo-tagging through Geographic Information System(GIS), Quick Response (QR) codes, and metal cards with barcodes for public scanning.

Current Scope and Progress

• Trees Tagged: Approximately 10,000 trees have been tagged with metal cards.
• Chinar Census: A detailed survey began in 2021, with 28,560 chinar trees geo-tagged to date.
• Future Expansion: Plans to include chinars from Jammu’s Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Valley.
• Top Trees: Including the world’s third-largest chinar (girth: 74 ft) located in Ganderbal district.

Significance and Benefits

• Tourism: Tourists can scan QR codes to learn about each tree’s age, height, and history.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Chinars are vital habitats for bird species like crows and kites.
• Carbon Sequestration: Chinars play an essential role in absorbing carbon and combating climate change.
• Cultural Heritage: Chinars are deeply ingrained in Kashmir’s folklore, literature, religious practices, and historical landmarks.

Historical and Cultural Importance of Chinars

• Origins: Brought to Kashmir by Islamic missionaries from Central Asia and Persia over 400 years ago.
• Oldest Tree: A 700-year-old chinar in Budgam, planted by Sufi saint Syed Qasim Shah, holds the record as the oldest.
• Mughal Legacy: Chinars were widely planted in Srinagar’s Mughal gardens, such as Naseem Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Garden during the 16th century.
• Religious Symbolism: Revered by both Hindus and Muslims, chinars are present at shrines like Hazratbal and temples like Kheer Bhawani.
• Bollywood Appeal: Featured in numerous iconic Bollywood films, symbolizing romance and nostalgia.

Conservation Challenges

• Threats: Urban expansion, infrastructure projects, and illegal logging pose risks to chinars.
• Population Decline: The chinar population, once numbering around 40,000, has dwindled due to developments like highway construction.

Future Plans

• Chinar Atlas: Development of a comprehensive database documenting all chinar trees in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Digital Accessibility: Providing citizens and tourists with digital tools to participate in conservation efforts.

In Conclusion

The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute's introduction of the 'Digital Tree Aadhar' program marks a crucial effort to safeguard the renowned chinar trees of Kashmir. Utilizing modern tools such as geo-tagging and QR codes, the project is designed to oversee and defend these important trees, which hold significance both culturally and ecologically.

In the face of increasing risks to their existence from urban development and infrastructure projects, this initiative presents a hopeful strategy to safeguard biodiversity, uphold cultural legacy, and involve the community in the preservation of Kashmir's natural wonders for forthcoming times.