by Haseeb Ashraf Shah
SRINAGAR: In a bold move to safeguard Kashmir’s iconic chinar trees, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has unveiled a pioneering initiative: the ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar.’ This ambitious project involves geo-tagging and monitoring the health of each chinar, assigning it a unique identification number to track its condition, location, and overall well-being. Spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir government, the initiative seeks to create a comprehensive database of these majestic trees, which are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and habitat degradation.
The project was born out of a sobering incident at Char Chinar, a picturesque tourist island in Dal Lake famed for its four ancient Chinar trees. When two of these trees were destroyed, JKFRI stepped into plant replacements. However, the event sparked a pressing question: how many chinars remain in Kashmir, and how can they be preserved for future generations?
Dr Syed Tariq, the project lead, recalled the moment that spurred the initiative. “At that time, we had no exact data on the number of chinars or their condition,” he said. “This made us realise the urgent need for detailed documentation.” With geo-tagging, he explained, the team can now track and protect each chinar, ensuring they are not lost to urbanisation or neglect.
Technological Lifeline
To safeguard these trees, JKFRI has turned to cutting-edge technology. A hypsometer is being used to measure the height of chinar trees, while a Picus Sonic Tomograph—often referred to as a “tree ultrasound”—employs sound waves to detect decay and generate detailed 2D or 3D images of the tree’s internal structure. Additionally, a Geographical Information System (GIS) is being deployed to create a comprehensive database for conservation efforts.
So far, nearly 10,000 chinars have been tagged, with a total of 28,560 trees across Kashmir geo-tagged under the initiative. Each chinar is fitted with a specially designed metal plate containing its data and a QR code. These plates, crafted from thick, UV-printed, weatherproof metal sheets, are built to endure extreme weather conditions.
To ensure the plates remain intact for decades, they are installed using springs that push the plates outward, preventing them from embedding into the tree’s bark. This innovative mechanism is designed to last 50 to 100 years, offering a long-term solution for monitoring and conservation.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight to preserve Kashmir’s natural heritage. By combining traditional reverence for the chinar with modern technology, JKFRI hopes to secure a future for these ancient trees, ensuring they continue to stand as symbols of resilience and beauty in the region.
Digital Identity
Each chinar tree surveyed under the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute’s (JKFRI) ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ initiative now bears a QR-based digital plate, akin to a unique identification number. This plate contains critical details, including the year the tree was surveyed, its district location, and a serial number for easy identification. “Chinar is a part of our culture,” explained Dr Syed Tariq, the project lead. “We are surveying to determine the total number of chinars, their status, height, girth, and other details. This initiative of tree geo-tagging is a step towards that goal.”
The project, which began with a comprehensive Chinar census in 2021, has since expanded to key locations across the region. These include Srinagar, Ganderbal—home to the world’s third-largest chinar—and the historic Mughal gardens. Plans are underway to extend the initiative further into Jammu’s Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal region. Data collected from the survey is meticulously recorded in heritage registers for each district, ensuring that credible and accessible information is preserved for future reference.
A Cultural Icon Under Threat
Chinar trees, deeply woven into Kashmir’s cultural and environmental fabric, are increasingly threatened by urbanisation and development projects. The geo-tagging initiative represents a significant stride towards their conservation, offering a modern solution to an age-old challenge.
“These trees are not just part of Kashmir’s landscape,” noted a JKFRI official. “They play a vital role in biodiversity and carbon absorption.” By leveraging digital mapping and cutting-edge technology, the institute aims to ensure that these majestic trees continue to thrive for generations to come.
Documenting Kashmir’s Green Giants
In addition to the geo-tagging project, JKFRI is compiling a Chinar Atlas, which will document the 20 largest Chinar trees in the region. Once completed, the atlas will provide a detailed overview of the number and status of chinar trees in each district, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts.
The initiative has garnered widespread acclaim from environmentalists and locals alike, who view it as a crucial step in safeguarding Kashmir’s green legacy. As the region embraces technology to protect its natural heritage, the geo-tagging project stands as a testament to the enduring significance of the chinar tree—a symbol of resilience, beauty, and cultural pride in Kashmir.
