Save the green gold

Amid rising temperature due to climate change, forests assume immense importance. Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with rich forest cover harbouring flora and fauna and wild animals.

Due to haphazard development, forests in Jammu and Kashmir are under immense stress. Behind the green canopy of trees, we are gradually losing the forest cover. As per a latest study “Forest dynamics and above-ground forest biomass changes in Kashmir, there is 6 percent percent reduction in forest cover, primarily in the areas proximal to human settlements.

The study conducted by noted geoscientist Irfan Rashid and Syed Danish Rafiq Kashani has been conducted utilising Google Earth Engine, machine learning, and field-based observations in Kashmir.

It notes that Kashmir Himalaya, with its distinct topography and diverse vegetation, presents both the significance and challenges associated with forest monitoring and above-ground carbon stocks. The study analysed forest changes and their impact on the above-ground biomass and carbon stocks in the forests of Kashmir Himalaya from 1978 to 2021.

The study’s analysis reveals a 6 % reduction in forest cover, primarily in the areas proximal to human settlements. Substantial variations in above-ground biomass (1.8–1391 Mg ha−1) were linked to tree species, size, and site characteristics. It notes that the loss of 7.44 Mt of carbon due to a 6 % percent reduction in forest area highlights the critical need for further enhancement of conservation efforts. policies and carbon sequestration strategies.

It notes that the low-lying degraded forests near human settlements contributed to 56 % of the total forest area loss. The study also found that global allometric equations tend to underestimate aboveground mass compared to region-specific models, underscoring the importance of incorporating local ecological conditions.

The study must serve as an eye-opener for expediting forest conservation. 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.

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.

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. 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 J&K occurred within natural forest. The total loss within natural forest was equivalent to 173 kt of CO₂ emissions.

Studies reveal that Kashmir forests, which are transitional zones between forest and alpine pastures and shrublands, are particularly vulnerable to regional and global climate change, especially amid rising temperatures. This has potential to alter forest biodiversity and associated ecosystem services across the region-driven habitat loss. It notes that the Kashmir Himalaya is increasingly vulnerable to forest fires, which are exacerbated by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

Over three decades ago, timber smugglers blatantly felled trees in forests in absence of any monitoring. Burnt tree stumps and barren patches in forests stand testimony to large-scale destruction of forests. Due to rising demand for wood for construction purposes, forests are facing the axe! To facilitate constructions close to forests, massive excavation of soil and felling of deodar trees are being frequently reported.

It is impossible to protect each and every tree in forests; however, alternative efforts are must to save the green gold. The Forest Department, Wildlife Department and Forests Protection Force are both understaffed to protect nooks and corners of forests.

Even as there are ample funds for boosting J&K’s forest and tree cover, the problem lies with implementation of schemes on the ground. The Central Government has allocated over Rs 15 crore under various schemes for forest conservation in the Union Territory. We have schemes like 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, 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.

But the question is what is the need to undertake construction activities including roads in forests which are eco-fragile. We have to understand that nothing can replace or compensate for the loss of even a tree while in the name of so-called development, we don’t even hesitate. We only remember damage to the environment when natural calamities strike us! We need political will and public movement to safeguard our forests, our nature, our survival!

Author is Executive Editor,

Greater Kashmir.