JKFRI, Forest department digitally track 28000 Chinar trees in four years across J&K

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-01-21 21:12:06 |

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Srinagar, Jan 21: In a significant development, the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) and the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department have successfully geotagged as many as 28000 Chinar trees across the J&K UT for the past four years.

The JKFRI and Forest department have created a database to ensure the preservation of these cultural and ecological treasures. The initiative has been taken for conservation of Chinar trees using modern technology coupled with traditional conservation efforts.

As per the official figures, the initiative was started in 2021 and is expected to continue till 2025.

"It involves the use of GIS and QR codes to monitor and conserve the Chinars. Each Chinar tree is geotagged with information including height, health, canopy size and its geographical location. This data is being compiled using the Chinar Tree Record Form (CTRF-25), designed to standardize the documentation process," an official said.

Project Coordinator at JKFRI Dr Syed Tariq said following the initiative a Chinar in Ganderbal has been identified as the largest in Asia, measuring 22.25 meters in girth and standing at a height of 27 meters.

"Another Chinar in Baramulla has earned a place as the third-largest in the world. The transplantation of two large Chinars has been completed by Forest departmen,” he said.

Dr Tariq said Emperor Akbar is believed to have planted over 1200 Chinars at Naseem Bagh, many of which still stand today.

The Bijbehara town in south Kashmir also known as the “Town of Chinars” is home to one of the oldest Chinars in Padshahi Bagh, Bijbehara.

In addition to geotagging, the conservation efforts also include the distribution of saplings to schools, government institutions and security forces, the official said.

The department has established a Vegetative Multiplication Garden (VMG) for the sustained production of high-quality saplings, and the transplantation of mature Chinar the iconic Char Chinar at Dal Lake which under process.

"The integration of QR codes on geotagged Chinars has made it easier for the public to access real-time data on the health and status of these trees. The QR codes attached to specialised plates designed to allow the tree to grow without obstruction can be scanned by citizens to learn more about each tree’s condition,” the official said.

The Forest department has been actively engaging in educational programmes, releasing documentaries, and celebrating initiatives such as “Chinar Day” celebrated on March 15 and the “Chinar Fall Festival” celebrated on October 15 to encourage community participation in the conservation efforts.