Geo-Tagging: A New Weapon in the Fight to Save J&K's Iconic Trees

Geo-tagging Chinar trees in Kashmir, For conservation purposes
Geo-tagging is another new method followed by the departments of Jammu and Kashmir for their protection to consider the significance as well as culture attached to such Chinar tree. Geo tagging of Chinar tree by the FRI was initiated under a scheme known as 'Digital Tree Aadhaar' with which the authority launched the programme aiming at creating an updated database so they can be suitably handled well so that there would be suitable preservation.

Geo-tagging Process

Geo-tagging process is a new concept in this campaign, adopted from the technology of Geographic Information System. Spring-enabled metal offers a digital plate for each Chinar tree with a unique QR code. In these QR codes, all important information is saved that relate to the geographical location, its health, age, and growth pattern.
This enormous database is a starting point to track emerging trends and address the potential threat that might come from it. Scanning a QR code enables the discovery of highly detailed information related to the tree's anatomy, including the significant branches and its pattern and if it is a victim of some diseases or not. In addition to all these, whether the tree bears seeds or not forms another type of knowledge about this tree before even discussing plantations.

Digital Heritage Registers

All data is maintained in district-specific heritage registers, for a valid and convenient record, which can be generated later on. Each district maintains its register, in case new data needs to be added as more trees are planted or surveyed.
The project also utilizes ultrasound equipment on the basis of which the risk level of trees can be measured. The technology does not give any assessment through human evaluation, and hence the process is efficient as well as precise.
Chinar Atlas in the Making

This geo-tagging process will result in the department preparing a detailed "Chinar Atlas" for the region, which would enlighten the distribution, health, and characteristic features of the Chinar tree in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chinar tree is socially, culturally, and ecologically important.

Chinar trees are scientifically known under the genus Platanus orientalis. It has a very significant place concerning cultural and ecological importance in Kashmir. This depletion of this plant seriously began some decades ago when urbanization was on, together with the opening of roads because of some disease conditions.
The trees have survived up to 150 years before reaching their maximum height of approximately 30 meters and girth of about 10-15 meters at ground level. Geo-tagging has shown that the maximum number of Chinar is present in Srinagar, followed by Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Baramulla districts.

Important Finds

It is during the campaign in Ganderbal district that the third biggest Chinar tree of the world as far as girth is concerned was reported. The circumference of the tree is 74 feet. That's what makes the whole initiative important in documentation and preservation of ancient trees.
So far, the department estimated some pretty roughestimates; it estimated the figure as 40,000–45,000 Chinar trees in the valley. Geo-tagging can document nearly 29,000, and of course, this is not inclusive of the smaller sizes.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Then there is the menace of decline in population of Chinars. This tree is dying in large quantities due to the diseases caused as a result of urban development and environmental changes. Geo-tagging helps by giving the required data with an accuracy, where trees at risk can be easily located and measures can be taken before things go out of hand.
Due to the introduction of technology applied in the preservation of the management of Jammu and Kashmir, a fair and excellent position in the management of tree conservation is offered.
The development of the Chinar Atlas and the online registers of cultural heritage would provide data quickly to meet the needs of data required for researchers and policymakers, as well as for conservators to place all their plans within the right framework with proper implementations.

Geo-tagging of Chinar trees under "Digital Tree Aadhaar" program goes a long way in preservation of cultural and ecological heritage of Kashmir. It appears ready to save the landmark trees for generations to come through its innovative application of contemporary technologies as well as exhaustive management of the data collected. It has much potential while running, ranging from improvement in good conservation practice through public sensitisation of importance protection of natural wealth.

Source: As reported by Reuters and PTI.