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The Jammu and Kashmir government has introduced a new program called "Digital Tree Aadhaar" to protect the iconic Chinar trees of Kashmir. This initiative aims to safeguard these majestic trees from urbanization and climate change by creating a detailed database for each tree. Using geo-tagging technology, every Chinar tree will have a QR code that tracks its location, health, and growth. This modern approach will help preserve these cultural and ecological treasures for future generations.
Importance of Chinar Trees
Chinar trees are an important part of Kashmir's heritage and ecosystem. Known for their large size and wide canopies, these trees represent the region's beauty and strength. A fully grown Chinar reaches a height of about 30 meters and takes 30-50 years to mature. However, their numbers have declined over the decades, from 42,000 in the 1970s to between 17,000 and 34,000 today.
This decline is caused by climate change, including rising temperatures and irregular rainfall, as well as human activities like urban development and illegal cutting of trees.
How the Initiative Works
The J-K Forest Research Institute (FRI), under the J-K Forest Department, is leading this initiative. Project Coordinator Syed Tariq explained, "Chinar is a part of our culture. We are conducting a survey to count the Chinars, check their health, height, and other details. We are using geo-tagging to track them."
So far, around 28,500 Chinar trees have been identified, with work continuing to catalog more. Each tree will have a QR-based plate attached using a special spring system. This plate will carry a unique code, similar to an Aadhaar number, with details like survey year, location, and serial number. This helps monitor individual trees and understand the overall health and distribution of the Chinar population.
The project also plans to create a "Chinar Atlas" to document these trees across different districts. Research is ongoing to determine the ages of these ancient trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. Notably, the world's third-largest Chinar, with a girth of 74 feet, was found in Ganderbal district.
Global Recognition
Srinagar has the highest number of Chinar trees, followed by Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Baramulla districts. Eleven of the top 20 Chinar trees in the World Monumental Trees series are from Kashmir, highlighting their global significance.
The Digital Tree Aadhaar initiative is a major step towards protecting Kashmir's Chinar trees. By combining advanced technology with conservation efforts, this program ensures these iconic trees remain a symbol of Kashmir's natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come.
