Geo-Tagging Of Chinar Trees In Kashmir

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Geo-tagging of Chinar Trees in Kashmir

By Peerzada Aarif

The authorities in the valley have taken a unique initiative of geo-tagging Chinar trees. The project, spearheaded by the J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI) of the 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 growth 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.

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The Chinar tree has remained a symbol of great cultural, social, religious, and historical significance in the valley for ages. It has a close connection with our past, cultural heritage, environment, as well as literature. The name Chinar is derived from a Persian word which means“What a Fire”; it reflects the impressive orange-red color of the Chinar in autumn. Its leaves acquire varied hues from blood red to mauve, amber, and yellow, depicting the various seasons of Kashmir. 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 would always cast a shadow on the island. They are among Kashmir's most popular tourist destinations. Chinar trees, a symbol of Kashmir's natural heritage, are renowned for their majestic size, vibrant foliage, and cultural significance.

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Unfortunately, developmental activities in the name of industrialization, urbanization, commercialization, etc., have caused widespread damage to this highly rich tree over the past years. Ever since the turmoil in the valley of Kashmir, this heritage tree has been badly subjected to destruction and devastation. A large number of Chinar trees were cut down and burned, which resulted in a decline in their numbers. 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 preserve the remaining Chinar trees and 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 database and store all the information about the Chinars. Everyone can scan and log in to access the information. The administration can easily assess which Chinar has dried up and which is dangerous. The authorities are also proposing more surveys on risk assessment. It will be a USG-based risk assessment survey.

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It will be done through machines with no human interference. It will provide information about whether the tree is safe or risky. Besides this geo-tagging, there is an immediate need to plant more and more Chinar trees in 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 an environmental perspective, the Chinar tree plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance. It helps in moderating the temperature and lowering 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 large ornamental trees, contribute not only to the beauty of the Kashmir valley but also to its resources. They are important sequesters of carbon, vital to the regulation of the climate, and help improve air quality.

Chinars contribute to the protection of biodiversity as they are a favorite shelter for birds, particularly crows and kites, in Kashmir. Both individual and collective efforts will be helpful in the protection and preservation of this natural asset. Taking effective measures will certainly contribute to 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

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