Forests of J&K

Forest Administration in Jammu and Kashmir: Historical Overview

The forest administration in Jammu and Kashmir dates back to 1857 AD, when an administrative unit called Mahel-i-Navara (Forest Exploitation Unit) was created under the State Revenue Department. The primary objective of this unit was to maximize revenue from forests.

However, the proper organization of the Forest Department began in 1883 AD, when the government introduced rules and regulations for forest exploitation under the Ain-i-Junglat.

Key Developments in Forest Administration

1. 1891 AD:

   • Mr. J.C. McDonell was appointed as the first Conservator of Forests.

2. 1895 AD:

   • The J&K State Council issued Forest Regulation No. 1, aiming to bring the department under scientific forest management.

3. 1911 AD:

   • The first forestry training school was established at Chatternar, Bandipora, marking the beginning of formal forester training in the state.

4. 1913 AD:

   • Forest Regulation No. 2 was issued, consolidating all previous forest rules and regulations.

5. 1914 AD:

   • Rules for forest demarcation were notified, ensuring clarity in forest boundaries.

6. 1924 AD:

   • The Chief Minister of the Maharaja directed that forest lands be surveyed and separated from revenue lands.
   • Working plan preparation and demarcation works were prioritized.

7. 1930 AD:

   • The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act (Samvat 1987) was enacted, providing a comprehensive legal framework for forest management in the state.

Forest Statistics of Jammu and Kashmir (As per India State of Forest Report – ISFR 2023)

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 provides the latest insights into the forest cover, tree cover, growing stock, carbon stock, and forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). 

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1. Forest Cover in Jammu and Kashmir (ISFR 2023)

The total forest cover in Jammu and Kashmir as of 2023 is 21,346.39 sq km. It is classified into three categories based on canopy density:

Forest Cover Change from 2021 to 2023

• Forest cover has decreased by 40.61 sq km since ISFR 2021, which reported 21,387 sq km of forest cover.
• The primary reasons for the decline include deforestation, encroachments, developmental activities, and forest fires.

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2. Tree Cover in Jammu and Kashmir

• Tree cover includes tree patches outside recorded forest areas (in urban and rural landscapes).
• The total tree cover in Jammu and Kashmir is 3,667 sq km.
• Net Increase in Forest & Tree Cover (2021-2023): 91.25 sq km
  • This increase is due to afforestation efforts, natural regeneration, and agroforestry practices.

Total Green Cover (Forest + Tree Cover)

• Forest Cover: 21,346.39 sq km
• Tree Cover: 3,667 sq km
• Total Green Cover: 25,013.36 sq km

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3. Growing Stock in Jammu and Kashmir

Growing stock refers to the volume of all trees, measured in cubic meters per hectare (m³/ha).

• J&K has the highest growing stock among all Indian states and union territories, at 296.22 m³/ha.
• The second highest is Himachal Pradesh, with 219.46 m³/ha.

This high growing stock indicates a healthy forest ecosystem, rich in tree biomass and forest productivity.

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4. Carbon Stock in Jammu and Kashmir

• Carbon stock represents the amount of carbon stored in forests and trees, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• J&K has the highest carbon stock per hectare among union territories, at 174.10 tons per hectare.
• A high carbon stock helps reduce greenhouse gases and improves environmental sustainability.

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5. Forest Fire Incidents in Jammu and Kashmir

A major environmental concern in J&K is the increase in forest fires.

• Between November 2023 and June 2024, J&K experienced a 2,822% rise in forest fires compared to previous years.
• Total reported fires: 4,156 incidents in this period.
• Major causes:
  • Rising temperatures
  • Prolonged dry spells
  • Human activities (such as agriculture, tourism, and illegal burning).

Forest fires not only destroy trees and wildlife habitats but also contribute to air pollution and climate change.