Written by Tauseef Ahmad and Sajid Raina

In South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a group of elderly residents watch with a mix of awe and curiosity as authorities fix geo-tags on the chinar trees in their locality.

The towering chinars, once vulnerable to illegal felling, are now under the digital watch of the administration, marking a new era of conservation — one that leaves no room for tampering.

“Chinar trees are the heritage of the Kashmir valley. Rapid cutting has reduced their numbers drastically. By geo-tagging each tree, we can monitor their health, ensuring their protection and preservation for future generations,” says Syed Tariq, project coordinator at the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI).

Tariq, who has been working on this project for the last five years, adds that the initiative aims to safeguard chinar trees from the threats of urbanisation and deforestation. As part of the project, around 10,000 chinars have been geo-tagged as of now, he informs.

Kashmir’s chinar roots

Chinar trees, renowned for their longevity and majestic, spreading crowns, offer shade in summer and a breathtaking spectacle in autumn. “These trees take 150 years to reach full maturity and height,” notes Tariq. “Once planted, a chinar tree can last for generations, often remaining until the........

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