Chinar Tree

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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

Chinar Tree
Source- The Hindu

 

  • 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. 
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