Chinars return to iconic ‘Char Chinari’ Island on Srinagar’s Dal lake

What is the News?

The Jammu & Kashmir administration has decided to translocate three fully-grown Chinar trees from elsewhere to the Char Chinar Island, where the decayed trees once stood in the ‘green’ of health.

What is Char Chinar Island?

Char Chinar also sometimes called Char Chinari, Ropa Lank or Rupa Lank is an island in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. 

What are Chinar Trees?

​​Chinar trees characteristically grow in Eastern Himalayas. Their botanical name is Platanus orientalis.

Type: It is a large, deciduous tree known for its longevity and spreading crown.

These trees have survived for ages because Chinar is basically a long-living tree. It spreads wide across a region of cool climate with sufficient water. 

Application of Chinar tree: 1) Leaves and bark – medicine, 2) Wood – It is known as lacewood. It has been used for delicate furniture, 3) Twigs and roots – used for making dyes.

Significance: In autumn, its deep green leaves may change to blood red, amber, and yellow.

Source: This post is based on the article “Chinars return to iconic ‘Char Chinari’ Island on Srinagar’s Dal lake” published in The Hindu on 24th February 2022.