J&K Initiates Digital Conservation of Chinar Trees

The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has launched a GIS-based conservation project for the iconic Chinar trees, aiming to protect them from urbanization, deforestation, and habitat degradation. This initiative involves geotagging and attaching QR codes to each tree, which provides detailed data on their health, age, and growth patterns, thus enabling effective monitoring and management. Project Coordinator Dr. Syed Tariq noted that over 28,000 Chinar trees have already been documented, with plans to geotag an additional 10,000 in the current financial year. The project emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of Chinar trees in the Kashmir Valley and seeks to raise public awareness and community participation in conservation efforts. Officials believe that this digital approach will ensure the long-term survival of this heritage species, which plays a crucial role in the region's ecology. The initiative is funded under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme.