Geo-tagging of chinar trees in J&K

About Geo-tagging of chinar trees in J&K

• • The Jammu & Kashmir government has launched the “Tree Aadhaar” mission to conserve the region’s declining chinar trees.
  • The initiative includes conducting a census of chinar trees and assigning each tree a unique identity to monitor and protect them effectively.
• About Chinar Tree (Oriental plane tree)
  • Characteristics:
    • Maple-like tree with a vast canopy.
    • Found in cool climates with sufficient water, mainly in the Eastern Himalayas.
    • Grows up to 30 metres tall with a girth of 10-15 metres.
    • Takes 30-50 years to mature and 150 years to reach full size.
  • Origin of the Name ‘Chinar’
    • Coined by the Mughals, possibly by Emperor Jahangir.
    • Derived from the Persian phrase “Che naar ast” meaning “What flame is that?” – inspired by the crimson red leaves in autumn.
  • Mughal Influence on Chinar Plantations
    • Role: Mughals expanded chinar plantations in Kashmir and parts of Jammu’s Chenab region
    • Symbol: Considered a “royal tree.”
  • Notable Contributions by Jahangir:
    • Created Naseem Bagh on Dal Lake’s banks with over 1,100 chinar trees.
    • Planted chinars on a small Dal Lake island, now known as Chaar Chinari (Four Chinars).
  • Importance of Chinar in Kashmir
    • State Tree
      • The chinar is the “state tree” of Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory).
    • Tourist Attraction
      • The chinar becomes a major attraction in autumn when its leaves turn crimson red and golden.
    • Cultural and Artistic Significance:
      • Chinar motifs are commonly seen in local papier mache, embroidery, hand-woven carpets, and walnut wood carvings.
      • The tree holds a special place in the art, literature, and craft traditions of Kashmir.
    • Religious Significance:
      • Chinar trees are found near many Muslim and Hindu shrinesin the region
    • Oldest Chinar Tree:
      • The oldest surviving chinar(around 700 years old) is located in Chattergam village in Budgam, central Kashmir, and was planted by a Sufi saint.
    • Chinar Conservation Project Overview
      • Government Permission for Tree Cutting:
        • Cutting a chinar tree requires government approval, even on private property. Despite this, illegal cutting still occurs.
      • Project Goals:
        • The initiative aims to track the status of each chinar tree across the Kashmir valley and Chenab region.
      • Census and Tree Aadhaar:
        • A census of chinar trees has been conducted district-wise. Each tree has been assigned a unique Tree Aadhaar and geo-tagged for identification and monitoring.
      • Current Status:
        • As of now, 28,560 chinar trees have been enumerated and geo-tagged, out of an estimated total of 32,000 to 33,000
      • Challenges:
        • Some trees are inaccessible, such as those located near security installations or no-go areas.
      • QR Code Implementation:
        • A metallic QR codeis being placed on chinar trees. Scanning the code provides information on 25 parameters including:
          • Longitude and latitude
          • Age, height, and girth
          • Number of branches and tree health
          • Canopy size and eco-threats faced by the tree.