Chandigarh University Launches ₹11-Lakh Heritage Tree Conservation Project in Mohali
Event summary
- Chandigarh University's Department of Biosciences received a ₹11-lakh grant from the Punjab Biodiversity Board to digitally map and conserve heritage trees in Mohali.
- The project aims to create the district's first GIS-based database of over 100 heritage trees, including Peepal, Banyan, and Neem species.
- Led by Prof. (Dr.) LK Attri and Dr. Shailika Sharma, the initiative combines field surveys with remote sensing and GIS technologies for long-term conservation planning.
- The project will assess tree characteristics such as height, trunk diameter, health, biomass, and carbon sequestration potential.
The big picture
Chandigarh University's heritage tree mapping initiative underscores the growing intersection of technology-driven environmental research and sustainable development. As rapid urbanization threatens centuries-old trees, this project sets a precedent for evidence-based conservation planning in Punjab. The ₹11-lakh grant from the Punjab Biodiversity Board highlights the strategic importance of preserving both ecological and cultural heritage assets.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- How the GIS-based database will influence government agencies' environmental resource management and sustainable urban planning.
- Execution Risk
- Whether Chandigarh University can sustain public participation in protecting heritage trees through community awareness initiatives.
- Regulatory Headwinds
- The pace at which the project's findings will be integrated into Punjab's conservation policies and climate resilience initiatives.