Geo-tagging of Chinar Trees in J&K: A Conservation Initiative
27-01-2025
05:08 AM

What’s in Today’s article?
- Chinar Tree Latest News
- About Chinar Tree
- Characteristics
- Origin of the Name 'Chinar'
- Mughal Influence on Chinar Plantations
- Importance of Chinar in Kashmir
- Chinar Conservation Project Overview
- Chinar Tree FAQs

Chinar Tree Latest 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.
About Chinar Tree
- Chinar is also known as Oriental plane tree (plantus orientalis var cashmeriana).
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 trees.
- 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.
- A metallic QR code is being placed on chinar trees. Scanning the code provides information on 25 parameters including:
Chinar Tree FAQs
Q1. Who is responsible for introducing Chinar trees in Kashmir?
Ans. The Mughals, particularly Emperor Jahangir, expanded chinar plantations in Kashmir.
Q2. Where is Chinar tree found in Kashmir?
Ans. Chinar trees are found across the Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu's Chenab region.
Q3. What is the importance of Chinar trees in Kashmir?
Ans. Chinar trees are the state tree, a tourist attraction, and hold cultural and religious significance in Kashmir.
Q4. What is the use of Chinar tree in medicine?
Ans. Chinar trees are believed to have medicinal properties, especially for treating skin diseases and inflammations.
Q5. Is Chinar and maple tree same?
Ans. No, Chinar is a type of Oriental plane tree, distinct from the maple tree, though they share similarities in leaf shape.