Srinagar, July 13: The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a new initiative to preserve the Chinars using modern technology of Quick Response (QR) codes, in response to the declining number of these heritage trees in the region.
Historically abundant, with around 40,000 Chinars gracing the Kashmir Valley, their numbers have dwindled to about 25,000 today.
A senior official from the Forest Research Institute said that over 18,000 Chinar trees have already been geo-tagged as part of this preservation project. “The next phase involves assigning quick response (QR) codes to Chinars throughout Jammu and Kashmir,” the official said. “Each QR code will be displayed on an engraved plate and will digitally store comprehensive information about the specific tree, including its location, health, age, and other relevant characteristics.”
Chinar trees, also known as the Oriental plane or Platanus orientalis, are a distinctive feature of the Kashmiri landscape, found in almost every village. Locally called Chinar or Boueen in some areas, these trees can reach up to 30 meters in height and have a girth of 10 to 15 meters at ground level. Remarkably, it takes about 150 years for a Chinar to reach its full size.
These trees have been silent witnesses to Kashmir’s history for centuries. The Chinar is believed to have been introduced to Kashmir from Persia, with the Mughals later planting them extensively across the valley. They provide much-needed shade and shelter in parks and gardens, offering respite from the heat and rain. The cool breeze under a Chinar’s canopy on a summer day is particularly refreshing.
One notable example of the Chinar’s historical significance is the world’s oldest Chinar tree, located in the village of Chattergam in the Budgam district of Kashmir. This ancient tree is believed to be 647 years old, having been planted in 1374 AD by Islamic mystic Syed Abdul Qasim Hamadani, who accompanied Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Iran to Kashmir.
While the QR coding initiative is a step forward in preserving the remaining Chinar trees, it also opens up new possibilities for educational and tourist engagement. Visitors can scan the QR codes to learn about the history, biology, and cultural significance of these trees. This can enhance the appreciation of the Chinar trees and foster a sense of responsibility towards their conservation.
However, the decline in Chinar numbers points to larger environmental challenges facing the Union Territory. Urbanisation, pollution, and climate change are contributing factors to the decreasing population of these trees. The government’s initiative is part of a broader effort to address these issues, but experts warn that more comprehensive measures are needed.
