Digital Tree Aadhar Initiative: Preserving Kashmir's Iconic Chinar Trees
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | Geo-Tagging Saves Kashmir's Iconic Chinar Trees |
| Initiative Name | Digital Tree Aadhar |
| Purpose | Monitor and conserve chinar trees using unique geo-tagged IDs |
| Technology Used | GIS, QR codes, metal barcode cards |
| Chinars Tagged (to date) | 28,560 |
| Oldest Chinar | 700 years old (Budgam district) |
| Largest Chinar | 74-ft girth (Ganderbal district) |
| Significance | Cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, carbon absorption, tourism |
| Threats | Urbanization, highway expansion, illegal felling |
| Future Goals | Chinar Atlas creation, inclusion of chinars in Chenab and Pir Panjal valleys |
| Historical Legacy | Introduced by Central Asian preachers; highlighted in Mughal gardens and Bollywood films |