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Forest cover of J&K shows significant increase in last decade: Govt

The report reveals that J&K has shown an increase of 398.12 Sq. Kms. in forest cover in one decade from 2013 to 2023
12:36 AM Feb 04, 2025 IST | GK NEWS SERVICE
forest cover of j k shows significant increase in last decade  govt
Forest cover of J&K shows significant increase in last decade: Govt
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Srinagar, Feb 3: Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department today said the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 has revealed a substantial increase in forest cover.

An official statement said the report indicates a rise of 34.78 square kilometers in the region’s forest area compared to the 2021 assessment. The report reveals that J&K has shown an increase of 398.12 Sq. Kms. in forest cover in one decade from 2013 to 2023.

Irfan Rasool, the Chief Conservator of Forests for Kashmir, highlighted these positive findings while addressing the media. He emphasized that J&K boasts the highest number of forest types in the country – an impressive 43 – along with the highest average growing stock of 296.22 cubic meters per hectare and the highest estimated carbon stock of 174.10 tons per hectare.

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Wani refuted recent media reports that claimed a decrease of 40.61 square kilometers in J&K’s forest cover. He termed these reports as inaccurate and not based on the quoted ISFR 2023. “These reports are misleading and do not reflect the actual findings of the ISFR,” he stated.

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The Chief Conservator of Forests stressed the importance of thoroughly studying the ISFR report before drawing any conclusions. He explained that understanding the methodology used in the assessment is crucial for accurately interpreting the results. He urged media outlets to exercise caution and ensure their reporting aligns with the official data and its proper context.

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The Chief Conservator of Forests further emphasised the J&K Forest Department’s commitment to mitigating the impact of forest land diversion. The transfer of forest land for non-forest activities is regulated by the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. “This legislation mandates that user agencies proposing to use forest land to provide compensation for the loss. The funds received from user agencies through compensatory afforestation and NPV charges are utilised to rehabilitate the degraded forests or carry out plantation on identified non-forestry land,” the statement said.

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“As part of these efforts, the J&K Forest Department under the Compensatory Afforestation Management Planning Authority (CAMPA), has till date successfully rehabilitated a total of 96,243 hectares of degraded forests and has planted 64.176 million trees to compensate for forest land diversions,” the statement added.

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