Chinar Trees: Kashmir’s Ecological Heritage Begins Getting Protection

India-West News Desk

SRINAGAR – Kashmir has launched an ambitious initiative to geo-tag thousands of Chinar trees in an effort to conserve this culturally and ecologically significant species, which faces threats from urbanization, infrastructure projects, and diseases.

Under the initiative, each tree is assigned a QR code linked to a comprehensive database that tracks 25 key characteristics, including geographical location, health, age, and growth patterns. This technology enables conservationists to monitor changes and address potential risks effectively. Members of the public can also scan the QR codes to access detailed information about individual trees, fostering greater awareness and engagement.

Nearly 29,000 trees have been tagged so far, officials said.

Chinar trees, known for their towering height of up to 30 meters and girth of up to 15 meters, take approximately 150 years to reach full maturity. The oldest known Chinar tree, located near Srinagar, is estimated to be around 650 years old.

The conservation effort incorporates advanced methods such as ultrasound technology to assess tree health and identify potential risks, reducing the reliance on manual inspections.

This initiative is being implemented at a time when infrastructure development is accelerating in Kashmir, coinciding with a decline in militancy and a surge in tourism, officials said.

Also Read: Kashmir’s Saffron Farmers Turn To Indoor Cultivation Amid Climate Changes