In News:

The J&K Forest Department, in collaboration with the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI), has launched a pioneering conservation initiative to digitally preserve the iconic Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis)—a vital part of Kashmir’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Significance of Chinar Trees:

• Locally known as Boonyi or Boueen, Chinar trees are deeply embedded in Kashmir’s cultural identity.
• These deciduous trees can grow up to 30 meters tall with a girth of 10–15 meters, and can live for over 600 years.
• They are known for their seasonal leaf color transformation—from green in summer to red, amber, and yellow in autumn.
• Notable specimens include Asia’s largest Chinar in Ganderbal and the oldest known Chinar (647 years) in Chattergam, Budgam.

Challenges to Chinar Survival:

• Urban expansion and habitat encroachment.
• Climate change, altering precipitation and temperature patterns.
• Illegal felling and timber exploitation.
• Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Tree Aadhaar & Geo-Tagging Initiative:

• Over 28,500 Chinar trees have been geo-tagged and assigned unique Tree Aadhaar numbers from 2021 to 2023.
• Each tree is fitted with a QR-coded digital plate, enabling real-time access to:
  • Tree location, height, girth, canopy dimensions
  • Health status, ecological threats, and pest presence
• These plates are spring-mounted metal tags to prevent damage to the trees.

Conservation Goals & Future Plans:

• Digital Protection: Enables proactive monitoring and protection through a centralized database.
• Chinar Atlas: A comprehensive mapping of all Chinar trees in the region.
• Public Access Website: A dedicated digital portal is planned for broader access to Chinar data.
• Risk Assessment: Use of USG-based, non-invasive surveys to identify trees at risk without human interference.
• Emphasis on covering remote and restricted areas in future phases to ensure inclusivity in conservation.