The Majestic Chinars: Preserving the Iconic Beauty of Kashmir

Aishwarrya B
Mar 24
5 min read

The Chinar leaves, basking in the sun during September | Copyrights: Aishwarrya Bapat

“Agar Firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast.” These lines, beautifully penned by Sufi poet Amir Khusrao, truly depict beauty of Kashmir! It means that if there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this. Kashmir is blessed with rich biodiversity; the valley is full of rich flora and fauna. One of the prominent trees, Chinar Trees, is only found in this paradise! These trees are culturally significant in Kashmir. But do you know that the existence of Chinar trees in Kashmir is beneficial for balancing the ecology of this paradise on Earth? In this article, let’s find out how these huge trees have environmental benefits.

Kashmir's Jewel - Chinars

Chinar trees are scientifically called 'Platanus orientalis.' These deciduous trees are found mainly in Kashmir and other regions of South Asia. Chinar trees are considered part of Kashmir’s soul—they are admired for their majestic appearance. These trees can grow up to 30 metres tall or more, and their branches are widely spread in all directions. Its girth can exceed 150 metres. They have broad, maple-like leaves. The word Chinar is derived from the Persian word “Chi-nar ast," meaning “what a fire." As the meaning suggests, the leaves in autumn turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

A huge Chinar Tree in Srinagar, Kashmir | Copyrights: Aishwarrya Bapat

While Chinars are embedded in Kashmiri culture and heritage, they also hold the highest significance when it comes to the environment. Let’s delve more to know about these giant beauties.

Why Chinar Trees are so unique to the Earth’s Paradise Kashmir?

Besides its cultural significance, Chinar Trees play an extremely crucial role in maintaining the environmental balance in Kashmir. Here’s how they play a role in the ecosystem:

Carbon Sinks: Mature Chinars play a vital role as carbon sinks. They absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. They also help absorb greenhouse gases and balance local climate issues. Chinars, also locally called the ‘Bouin’, have a rich natural essence. These trees produce a whopping 120 litres of lifesaving oxygen per year, thus being known as the air purifiers of Kashmir.

Temperature Regulator: As its girth can exceed 150 metres, it provides relief for the locals who yearn for cool shade in summer times. They also reduce the temperatures in the surrounding areas. The unique structure and texture of the leaves produce one of the highest oxygen-releasing and transpiring trees, hence it effectively contributes to the valley’s cooling effect.

Soil Conservation: According to Sami Ullah Bhat, an Assistant Professor in Ecology and Environment at Kashmir University, the huge root system of Chinar trees deeply penetrates the land and stabilises the soil. These aid in preventing soil erosion, especially at the slopes and riverbanks. Besides, these trees help in preventing landslides and floods. He further added that these mighty giants help to nourish the soil, which helps in agricultural productivity. Their root systems also help in maintaining the groundwater levels.

Chinar Trees also supports pollination of nearby plants and helps in regenration of vegetation. | Copyrights: Aishwarrya Bapat

Biodiversity Hotspot: The Chinars are home to countless birds, animals and insects such as parakeets, owls, butterflies, moths and so on. The expansive canopy and dense foliage create a suitable shelter for these small birds and animals. As they help regulate the microclimate, it benefits the surrounding flora and fauna. Additionally, the fallen leaves of the Chinars increase the nourishment of the soil, thus promoting the growth of other plants and supporting the ecosystem of soil-dwelling organisms. As mentioned earlier, these mighty giants have a rich natural essence, which helps in attracting pollinators. This supports in pollination process of nearby plants and helps in the regeneration of more vegetation.

The Chinar Crisis

These trees require 30 to 50 years to mature and can live up to 700 years! They truly hold a special place in the hearts of every Kashmiris and nature lovers. However, these iconic symbols have faced a great threat in the past few years—they are, unfortunately become the victims of rapid urbanisation, climate change, pests and pathogens and illegal felling of the trees in the valley.

According to environmental experts, the Himalayan regions are very sensitive to slight changes in the climate. Anzar Ahamd Khuroo, a botanist and professor at the University of Kashmir, states that increased heatwaves, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures have disturbed the ability of Chinars to sustain themselves. These trees require cooler conditions for the proper growth. However, prolonged heat stress has affected their hydration and photosynthesis, which is leading to premature leaf drop, poor regeneration and even mortality. Moreover, the trees are also suffering from fungal infections, pests, soil degradation and pollution.

Unsung Heroes of the Valley

Whilst the Chinars are facing innumerable threats, there is some ray of hope too. Abdul Ahad Khan, a Kashmiri man, is known as the Chinar man by the locals. He has been growing, nurturing and safeguarding these trees in North Kashmir. His pure love towards Mother Nature has helped the region to restore its greenery. Abdul Ahad is solely responsible for planting 2000 trees till now across the mountains of Kupwara and Nagri Village. He has also learnt a technique to create saplings of the Chinars. Additionally, he protects the plants by fencing them with natural thorns. He has further expressed that if NGOs, government, and environmentalists join hands with him, he is willing to plant more trees in every corner of the Kupwara region. His heart is full of love towards the environment and selflessness needs to be treasured and recognised in today’s world.

The Forest Department have started an initiative called the "Digital Tree Aadhaar" that will help in geotagging of the trees and will also help to check their health. | Pic Credit: Anadolu Agency

The Forest Department is also making efforts to protect and preserve Chinar trees. They have started an initiative called the “Digital Tree Aadhaar”, which not only gives information about each tree to the locals and tourists but also helps in geotagging and monitoring their health. Such initiatives are essential for the prevention of illegal felling. Additionally, the “Digital Tree Aadhaar” also helps to check the health of the trees. It aids in taking proper care and safeguards against any pathogens or pests. The QR code is attached to each surveyed tree. This code has 25 key characteristics, such as age, location, health status and growth patterns. Such information will help conservationists track down and identify the risk factors. As of now, they have surveyed 29,000 Chinars and around 10,000 trees have been geotagged.

However, to make all these efforts effective, we all must address environmental degradation and human interference among the youth, tourists, and locals to ensure that these majestic trees survive for the coming decades. Activists have also further stressed that there should be more community involvement and a sense of belonging and love in conservation. Additionally, there should be stricter laws and acts enforced to prevent deforestation in our Earth’s Paradise.

So, my fellow green warriors, do you have any suggestions to save these endangered Chinars? Feel free to write them in the comments!