Jammu & Kashmir’s famed Chinar trees, known for their majesty and cultural significance, now have distinct digital identities. In an innovative conservation initiative, the J&K Forest Department, in conjunction with the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFI), has allocated Tree Aadhaar numbers to hundreds of these ancient trees. Each tree has a digital plate inscribed with a QR code, which, when scanned, provides detailed information.
The effort, which will be started in 2021, intends to monitor and protect China’s declining population carefully. According to official data, 28,560 trees have been geotagged so far. Between 2021 and 2022, 8,000 trees were documented, with an additional 10,000 in 2022-23. This fiscal year, an additional 10,000 trees will be tagged to help establish a comprehensive digital database.
According to the Project Coordinator at JKFI, the digital plates use Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to display important characteristics such as a tree’s location, height, canopy, health status, and any ecological concerns. Unlike traditional marks, the plates are held together with springs rather than nails to prevent damage.
The Chinar, a deciduous species in the Platanaceae family, has suffered a significant reduction throughout the years.
