Chinar Tree

News: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar Initiative’ for the conservation of the Chinar tree. 

About Chinar Tree

 

• It is also known as the majestic chinar and oriental plane tree. Chinar is a maple-like tree with a huge canopy. 
• It is found in the cool climate regions with sufficient water, taking 30-50 years to mature and 150 years to reach its full size. 
• The tree grows to a height of 30 metres with a girth of 10-15 metres at ground level. 
• It is believed that Mughal emperor Jahangir coined the term Chinar.
  • The myth says that the term gained prominence after someone saw crimson red chinar tree leaves from a distance during the autumn season and shouted “Chee naar ast” (a Persian word meaning “what flame is that”). 
• Significance: 
  • They are a major tourist attraction during the autumn season as their green leaves turn into crimson red and gold. 
  • They occupy a special place in Kashmir’s art, literature and craft, which often feature chinar motifs. 
• Kashmir is home to chinar groves with Ganderbal district having the highest number of chinar trees. 
  • Chinar also grows in Jammu’s Chenab Valley, and in the Pir Panjal Valley. 

About Digital Tree Aadhaar Initiative  The initiative assigns a geo-tagged digital identity to each chinar tree, providing information like tree’s location, height, and health.  It aims to establish a detailed database of chinar trees using the Geographic Information System (GIS) based quick response code enabled surveys.  JKFRI 2021 data highlights that Kashmir was home to around 40,000 chinar trees but their numbers are declining steadily.  Rapid urbanisation and infrastructural expansion (like highway widening) are key reasons for decline.