Forests: Green is Calling

Forests are important part of eco-system. Jammu and Kashmir has thick cover of forests, however, in absence of regulation, the green gold is facing extreme vandalisation by unscrupulous persons.

In the past over three decades, timber smugglers have had a free run to axe trees in forests from south to north Kashmir. Burnt tree stumps and barren patches in forests stand testimony to large-scale destruction of forests.

Due to massive demand of wood for construction purposes, forests are facing the axe. To facilitate constructions close to forests, massive excavation of soil and felling of deodar trees have been recently reported in Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Though authorities have ordered a probe into the matter, it is a stark reality that loss of a grown up tree is irreplaceable. It takes years for deodar and pine trees to grow!

It has been observed that timber smugglers use forest fires to camouflage felling of trees. It is to be noted that there has been a sharp increase in forest fires from the last several years in Kashmir.
J&K has a forest cover of 21,387 square kilometres and a tree cover of 2,867 square kilometers. As per the Global Forest Watch (GFW) an online platform that provides data and tools for monitoring forests, In 2010, J&K had 660 kha of natural forest, extending over 8.3% of its land area. In 2023, it lost 51 ha of natural forest, equivalent to 57.7 kt of CO₂ emissions.

From 2001 to 2023, J&K lost 4.19 kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 0.39% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 1.98 Mt of CO₂e emissions.From 2013 to 2023, 76% of tree cover loss in the union territory occurred within natural forest. The total loss within natural forest was equivalent to 173 kt of CO₂e emissions.

As per GFW, J&K’s five districts Rajouri, Kathua, Udhampur, Doda and Reasi were responsible for 53% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. Rajouri had the most tree cover loss at 526 ha compared to an average of 199 ha. From 2001 to 2023, J&K lost 4.19 kha of relative tree cover, equivalent to a 0.39% decrease since 2000 and 0.18% of all tree cover loss in India.

Last month, dozens of green fir, cedar and kail trees were found illegally axed in the Tanta area of Bhadarwah Forest Division. Ironically more than hundreds of trees axed illegally at Mona Nullah were found. The timber smugglers had used mechanical cutters to extract timber. Authorities have registered 77 cases under the Indian Forest act in the area to ascertain involvement of some forest officials.

Reports of felling of trees in forests pour frequently from various areas of J&K. The issue is why has the government failed to devise a mechanism to prevent illegal felling of trees? What is the role of the Forest Protection Force?

Funds are no issue for launching forest conservation measures in J&K. The Central Government is serious in conservation of forests in J&K as it has allocated over Rs 15 crore under various schemes to boost the region’s forest and tree cover.

The problem lies with improper execution of schemes to protest forests! National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, and Nagar Van Yojana, are being implemented in J&K to enhance green cover.

Under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) programme, J&K has been allocated Rs 4.50 crores for 2024-25.  Similarly, the Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme has allocated Rs 73.97 lakh for J&K. This central scheme plays a vital role in strengthening wildlife conservation and managing habitats across the country.

Under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, Rs 3.31 crore have been provided to J&K to support afforestation projects for restoring degraded forests and maintaining ecological balance.

The Government of India has provided Rs 6.58 crores under the Nagar Van Yojana in 2024-25  to create urban forests for reducing pollution and enhancing green spaces.
Road projects must be designed in such a way that core forest areas aren’t disturbed. Factories shouldn’t be set up close to forests to prevent pollution. No amount can compensate for the loss of forests.

There has to be a political will and public movement to safeguard our forests. Given the staff shortage in the Forest department, it is difficult to protect forests across the length and breadth of the union territory. It would be best to involve locals living near forests to prevent felling of trees or timber smuggling. They know the value of trees and let’s give them a chance to turn into forest protectors.
Government must give severe punishment to timber smugglers or those who damage forests, so that it serves as a deterrent. Protection of forests must be a priority of the government. Forests are more than a source of wood. These form habitats of wild animals. We must understand that destruction of forests contributes to climate change.  Let's join hands to save the green gold!

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir.