Digital Tree Aadhaar: Protecting Kashmir’s endangered chinar trees

Kashmir loses nearly half of its Chinar trees since 1970s

The Chinar tree, a symbol of Kashmir’s cultural and ecological legacy, faces threats from urbanisation and climate change. To safeguard it, the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ initiative to track and protect these iconic trees.

The Kashmir Valley, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to one of the most iconic symbols of its natural beauty, the Chinar tree. With its vibrant autumn hues and deep roots in the valley’s history, the Chinar has long stood as a silent witness to the passage of time, a beacon of the region’s ecological and cultural identity. Yet, this majestic tree now faces an uncertain future as rapid urbanisation and climate change threaten its survival.

This pioneering programme aims to conserve the Chinar trees and track their health and location through geo-tagging and QR codes. By doing so, authorities intend to create a comprehensive database of these trees and their growing patterns, giving conservationists the tools they need to mitigate the risks that are pushing the Chinar toward the brink of decline.

The Chinar: A symbol of Kashmir’s legacy

The Chinar tree, with its broad leaves that turn a fiery red and orange in the fall, has long been a symbol of Kashmir. Its cultural and ecological significance stretches back over 2,000 years. The tree, scientifically known as Platanus orientalis, is indigenous to the region and has been a central feature in Kashmiri gardens, parks, and temples. In fact, many of the region’s ancient sites have been shaded by these towering trees, offering respite from the scorching summer sun.

The Chinar has been a silent observer of Kashmir’s complex history, from ancient empires to the turbulent political landscapes of the modern era. Its presence is felt in the folklore, art, and architecture of the region, making it a cultural icon as well as a natural one.

However, despite its deep-rooted place in the valley’s identity, the Chinar tree population has been steadily declining. Reports suggest that the Kashmir Valley once boasted around 42,000 Chinar trees in the 1970s, but today, that number has dropped to somewhere between 17,000 and 34,000. This stark decline has raised alarms among environmentalists and conservationists alike.

Under the new ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ initiative, the government of Jammu and Kashmir is leveraging modern technology to track and conserve Chinar trees. The programme, spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (FRI), uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create a detailed database of the trees across the valley. Each tree will be assigned a unique QR code, which will serve as a digital fingerprint. The QR code will store important information such as the tree’s geographical location, health status, and growth patterns. This data will allow conservationists to monitor the trees more effectively and ensure that they receive the protection they need.

The initiative aims to tackle the root causes behind the decline of the Chinar population. Urbanisation, illegal logging, and the widening of national highways have taken a heavy toll on the trees. By cataloguing the remaining Chinars, authorities hope to address these threats in a more informed and systematic manner.

The campaign has already identified and surveyed approximately 28,500 Chinar trees, with ongoing efforts to map the remaining trees. The ultimate goal is to create a ‘Chinar Atlas’ of Kashmir, a comprehensive record that will provide insights into the distribution, health, and status of the trees in each district of the valley. As part of the initiative, environmental experts are also conducting research to determine the age of the Chinar trees in the region, adding a layer of historical significance to the conservation effort.

The role of climate change

While urbanisation and deforestation remain the primary drivers behind the decline in Chinar numbers, climate change is also playing a significant role. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns have created an environment that is less hospitable to the Chinar tree. The long-term changes in the climate are causing stress to the trees, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and droughts.

Professor Adeel Khan, an environmental scientist from Kashmir University, explained that prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns are exacerbating the challenges faced by the Chinar trees.

“The environmental impact of climate change cannot be underestimated. In addition to the direct effects on the trees, the changing climate is also altering the broader ecosystem, which can lead to a cascading effect on biodiversity in the region,” Khan tells Media India Group.

Khan also pointed out that the decreasing number of Chinar trees is indicative of a larger environmental crisis in Kashmir, one that requires urgent attention.

“The Chinar is not just a tree it is a symbol of the valley’s ecological balance. Its decline is a warning sign that the environment in Kashmir is deteriorating, and if we don’t act now, we risk losing not just the Chinar but many other species that depend on this delicate ecosystem,” he adds.

Kashmir’s rapid urbanisation, driven by both political changes and the influx of migrants over the decades, has left a significant mark on the landscape. Widening highways, urban sprawl, and the construction of new infrastructure projects have encroached upon the Chinar’s natural habitat. The increasing pressure on land has resulted in the illegal felling of Chinar trees, and many ancient trees have been uprooted to make way for development projects.

This loss is not just ecological, it is also cultural. The Chinar tree has long been a part of Kashmir’s identity, and its diminishing presence reflects the growing tension between modern development and the preservation of cultural heritage. The government’s new initiative offers a glimmer of hope, but the battle to save the Chinar trees requires collective efforts from all sections of society, from policymakers to citizens.

Khan emphasises that the Chinar tree is not just a symbol of Kashmir’s past but also an essential part of its future. While the fate of these iconic trees remains uncertain, there is hope. With modern conservation tools and a renewed commitment to their protection, these towering giants, which have stood for centuries, may continue to thrive, watching over the valley they have always called home for generations to come.