Why in news?

The Jammu & Kashmir government has launched the “Tree Aadhaar” mission to conserve the region’s declining chinar trees.

The initiative includes conducting a census of chinar trees and assigning each tree a unique identity to monitor and protect them effectively.

What’s in today’s article?

• Chinar Tree
• Importance of Chinar in Kashmir
• Chinar Conservation Project Overview

About Chinar Tree (Oriental plane tree)

• Characteristics:
  • Maple-like tree with a vast canopy.
  • Found in cool climates with sufficient water, mainly in the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Grows up to 30 metres tall with a girth of 10-15 metres.
  • Takes 30-50 years to mature and 150 years to reach full size.
• Origin of the Name 'Chinar'
  • Coined by the Mughals, possibly by Emperor Jahangir.
  • Derived from the Persian phrase “Che naar ast” meaning “What flame is that?” – inspired by the crimson red leaves in autumn.
• Mughal Influence on Chinar Plantations
  • Role: Mughals expanded chinar plantations in Kashmir and parts of Jammu’s Chenab region.
  • Symbol: Considered a “royal tree.”
  • Notable Contributions by Jahangir:
    • Created Naseem Bagh on Dal Lake’s banks with over 1,100 chinar trees.
    • Planted chinars on a small Dal Lake island, now known as Chaar Chinari (Four Chinars).

Importance of Chinar in Kashmir

• State Tree
  • The chinar is the "state tree" of Jammu & Kashmir (now a Union Territory).
• Tourist Attraction
  • The chinar becomes a major attraction in autumn when its leaves turn crimson red and golden.
• Cultural and Artistic Significance:
  • Chinar motifs are commonly seen in local papier mache, embroidery, hand-woven carpets, and walnut wood carvings.
  • The tree holds a special place in the art, literature, and craft traditions of Kashmir.
• Religious Significance:
  • Chinar trees are found near many Muslim and Hindu shrines in the region.
• Oldest Chinar Tree:
  • The oldest surviving chinar (around 700 years old) is located in Chattergam village in Budgam, central Kashmir, and was planted by a Sufi saint.

Chinar Conservation Project Overview

• Government Permission for Tree Cutting:
  • Cutting a chinar tree requires government approval, even on private property. Despite this, illegal cutting still occurs.
• Project Goals:
  • The initiative aims to track the status of each chinar tree across the Kashmir valley and Chenab region.
• Census and Tree Aadhaar:
  • A census of chinar trees has been conducted district-wise. Each tree has been assigned a unique Tree Aadhaar and geo-tagged for identification and monitoring.
• Current Status:
  • As of now, 28,560 chinar trees have been enumerated and geo-tagged, out of an estimated total of 32,000 to 33,000
• Challenges:
  • Some trees are inaccessible, such as those located near security installations or no-go areas.
• QR Code Implementation:
  • A metallic QR code is being placed on chinar trees. Scanning the code provides information on 25 parameters including:
    • Longitude and latitude
    • Age, height, and girth
    • Number of branches and tree health
    • Canopy size and eco-threats faced by the tree.