Tree Aadhaar Initiative for Chinar Trees –
environment
news: The majestic maple trees of Jammu and Kashmir now have their own id
cards.
what’s in the news?
Introduction
to Chinar Trees
- Chinar
trees, locally called boonyi, are majestic maple trees and a
significant part of the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
- These
deciduous trees belong to the Platanaceae family, can grow up to 30
meters, and are renowned for their leaves that turn vibrant shades of
red and gold during autumn and winter.
The Tree
Aadhaar Initiative
- Launched
in 2021 by the J&K Forest Department in partnership with the J&K
Forest Research Institute (JKFRI), the initiative aims to conserve and
document chinar trees.
- Chinar
trees are being assigned unique ‘Tree Aadhaar’ numbers and
digitally documented.
- Each
tree is equipped with a QR code on a metal plate, which provides
detailed information when scanned.
Geo-Tagging
and Data Collection
- A
total of 28,560 chinar trees have been geo-tagged to date, creating
a comprehensive database.
- Breakdown
of geo-tagging progress:
- 2021-2022: 8,000 trees tagged.
- 2022-2023: 10,000 trees tagged.
- 2023-2024: Target of an additional 10,000 trees
to be tagged.
- The
QR codes, developed using Geographical Information System (GIS),
reveal details such as the tree’s:
- Location
- Height
- Girth
- Canopy
- Health status
- Ecological threats and pest presence.
Design of
QR Code Plates
- The
plates are spring-mounted to avoid damaging the trees as their
girth increases over time.
- This
ensures the plates do not embed into the tree bark, preserving the tree’s
health.
Planned
Chinar Atlas
- A Chinar
Atlas is under development to serve as a comprehensive record of these
trees.
- The
atlas aims to further aid conservation efforts and provide detailed
insights into the distribution of chinar trees across the region.
Ban on
Felling and Protection Measures
- Chinar
trees have faced a significant decline over the decades due to felling and
urbanization.
- To
combat this:
- A blanket ban on felling and
lopping of chinar trees was introduced in 2009.
- In 2019, further restrictions
were implemented, including a ban on nailing hoardings to these
trees.
- The
Tree Aadhaar initiative complements these legal measures by ensuring
digital documentation and protection of trees, including those in
restricted zones.
Cultural and Ecological Significance
- The
chinar tree is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of Jammu and
Kashmir, symbolizing its storied history.
- Beyond
its aesthetic appeal, the tree plays a crucial role in the region’s ecological
balance.
Expert
Insights
- Emphasized the importance of preserving
chinar trees through documentation.
- Highlighted that geo-tagging ensures
even trees in restricted areas are accounted for.
- Stressed the role of technology in
monitoring the trees’ health and mitigating ecological threats.
Geo-Tagging
- Geo-tagging
involves assigning geographical coordinates (latitude, longitude) to
various types of media based on the location of a mobile device.
- Application: Photos,
videos, websites, text messages, and QR codes can be geotagged, including
time stamps and contextual information.
- Smartphone
Integration: Devices equipped with GPS or location-based technologies
automatically geotag photos.
Mechanism
of Geo-Tagging:
- GPS
Integration: Modern smartphones and digital cameras are equipped with
GPS (Global Positioning System) or utilize other location-based
technologies.
- Automatic
Geo-Tagging: Devices automatically associate GPS coordinates with
media, such as photos, by default.
Geo-Tagging
of Properties:
- Digital
Mapping: In the context of properties, geo-tagging involves digitally
mapping a property with unique latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Geographic
Information System (GIS): GIS is utilized to create maps with precise
property locations.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/kashmirs-natural-heritage-chinar-trees-to-be-geo-tagged-with-unique-codes-see-pics/photostory/117512276.cms