The J&K Forest Department and the Forest Research Institute (FRI) have launched a project to track and protect Chinar trees in Jammu and Kashmir using digital technology. Each tree is now identified with a QR code that people can scan for detailed information, including location, health, and size.
Since 2021, over 28,000 Chinar trees have been mapped with the help of GIS. The data collected includes 25 specific details about each tree. One of the standout discoveries is a Chinar in Ganderbal, which is now considered the largest in Asia.
The project is ongoing, with 10,000 more trees set to be mapped this year, as part of a conservation effort supported by the CAMPA fund. The initiative aims to combine technology, public participation, and scientific research to protect these iconic trees for future generations.
