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The Royal Tag

Geo-tagging of Chinar in Kashmir is a good initiative towards the conservation of Kashmir's heritage tree
10:46 PM Jan 28, 2025 IST | Peerzada Aarif
the royal tag
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The authorities in the valley have taken a unique initiative of geo-tagging Chinar trees. The project, spearheaded by J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI) of J&K Forest Department, involves geo-tagging and QR coding of Chinar trees to enable their monitoring and management.

Under this geo-tagging process, QR codes are attached to each surveyed tree, recording information about 25 characteristics, including its geographical location, health, age, and growing patterns, enabling conservationists to track changes and address risk factors. This initiative of the government is indeed a good  step towards the protection and conservation of this rich heritage tree.

Chinar tree has remained a symbol of great cultural, social, religious and historical significance in the valley for ages. It has a close proximity with our cultural heritage, environment as well as literature.

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The name Chinar is derived from a Persian word which means, “What a Fire”; it reflects impressive orange red colour of Chinar in autumn. Its leaves acquire varied hues from blood red to mauve, amber and yellow depicting various seasons of Kashmir.

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The oldest Chinar in Kashmir is said to have been planted in 1374 and is almost 600 years old. It is 14.78 meters tall and is located in Kashmir’s Budgam district. The tree was adored by Mughal Emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir, and even Aurangzeb. It has even been dubbed the “royal tree.” Following his conquest of Kashmir in 1586, the great Emperor Akbar is supposed to have planted over 1,200 Chinar trees. On Dal Lake, there is a small Chinar Island called ‘Char Chinar’. The island’s name comes from the fact that it has four Chinar trees planted on it. Emperor Jahangir erected these four trees in such a way that they will always cast a shadow on the island. They are among Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations.

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Chinar trees, a symbol of Kashmir’s natural heritage, are renowned for their majestic size, vibrant foliage, and cultural significance.

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But unfortunately the developmental activities in the name of industrialisation, urbanisation, commercialisation etc., have caused a widespread  damage to this highly rich tree over the past years. Ever since the the turmoil in the valley of Kashmir, this heritage tree has badly fallen prey to destruction and devastation. A large number of Chinar trees were cut down and  burnt which resulted in decline in their numbers.

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The Chinar tree population in Kashmir has declined, according to a 2021 booklet from Kashmir’s Forest Department. Some estimates put the number at 42,000 in the 1970s. Current estimates range from 17,000 to 34,000. There is an ongoing census, the coordinator of which says there are estimated to be 32,500 Chinars in Kashmir.

Better late than never. Now the government seems to be sensitive to this decline. The geo-tagging process will help to preserve the left out Chinar trees and will ensure that the trees don't face any kind of disturbance or intervention further. As per the officials, this geo-tagging process will create a data base and will store all the information about the Chinars. Everybody can scan and  log in to get the information. Administration can easily assess which chinar has dried up and which is dangerous. The authorities are also proposing more survey on risk assessment. It will be a USG-based risk assessment survey. It will be done through machines and there will be no human interference. It will give us information whether the tree is safe or risky.

Besides this geo-tagging, there is immediate need of planting more and more Chinar trees at appropriate places so that the lost glory of this highly rich tree is restored.

The tree is no doubt Kashmir’s pride and while developing the infrastructure it should be ensured that the natural heritage remains unaffected. While the existing trees need to be nurtured and conserved, new ones should be planted on a large scale to conserve this legacy.

The Chinar tree doesn’t just amplify the beauty of Kashmir but has immense environmental importance. From the environmental perspective, the Chinar  tree plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance. It helps in moderation of temperature and lowering the air and noise pollution. The trees are also known to have some medicinal properties and uses.

Chinars are important ecologically, economically and aesthetically. Chinars, being the large ornamental trees contribute not only to the beauty of the Kashmir valley but also to its resources. They are important sequesters of carbon and vital to the regulation of the climate and improving air quality. Chinars contribute to protection of biodiversity as they are a favourite shelter for birds particularly crows and kites in Kashmir.

Both individual as well as collective efforts will be helpful in the protection and preservation of this natural asset. Taking effective measures will certainly contribute in restoring the lost glory of this precious tree which has otherwise suffered extensive damage over the past years.

The author is a teacher and a freelancer. He hails from Baramulla.