Needed a comprehensive afforestation plan
Like many other parts of the country Jammu and Kashmir too is witnessing a spike in temperatures and as a result a heat wave is being felt in this part of the world as well. The region which was otherwise known as the most serene and cool place across India is witnessing a huge change in its environs and the day temperatures have been witnessing a huge jump.
Notably, experts have been pointing out to climate change as the greatest environmental emergency facing our planet today. The phenomenon has profound implications for glaciers, rivers, forests, ecosystems, and human societies and the effects of climate change are already evident in Jammu and Kashmir:
Over the years, like many other parts of the country Jammu and Kashmir too has been witnessing a fast depleting forest cover. Reports have suggested that India has lost 18,200 hectares of primary forest in 2024 compared to 17,700 hectares in 2023.
The data provided by the Global Forest Watch and the University of Maryland showed the country has lost 2.31 million hectares of tree cover since 2001, equivalent to a 7.1 per cent decrease in tree cover during this period and 1.29 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
Besides, India lost 3,48,000 hectares of humid primary forest (5.4 per cent) from 2002 to 2024, accounting for 15 per cent of its total tree cover loss during the same period, it stated.
The country lost 16,900 hectares of humid primary forest in 2022, 18,300 hectares in 2021, 17,000 hectares in 2020 and 14,500 hectares in 2019.
Ironically, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a continuous degradation of forest cover particularly the large-scale felling of trees in a region known for its breath taking landscapes and rich biodiversity. While developmental projects are essential for progress, protecting nature while building the future must remain a priority.
Kashmir has witnessed a significant decline in its forest cover. According to the latest Forest Survey of India (FSI) report, the region lost 40.61 square kilometers of forest cover in the last two years alone.
The ‘India State of Forest Report-2023’ states that Jammu and Kashmir had 21,346.39 square kilometers of forest cover in 2023, down from 21,387 square kilometers in 2021.
In 2020, Jammu and Kashmir had 1.15 million hectares (Mha) of natural forest, covering 11% of its land area. However, by 2023, the region lost 112 hectares of natural forest, resulting in 68.8 kilotons of CO₂ emissions.
However, the trend of decreasing forest cover has been going on unchecked and over the past decade, Jammu and Kashmir has seen extensive deforestation due to infrastructure development.
Reports indicate that 60-70% of cleared forest land was removed for construction projects, leading to a massive loss of tree cover. Some of the worst-affected areas include popular tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, where politically connected individuals and influential figures have constructed hotels, restaurants.
Surprisingly, many government buildings too have been constructed on forest land and some of these projects have sanctioned permissions. Though this must not go unnoticed, the need of the hour is to ensure a comprehensive afforestation plan across the length and breadth of the region so that the wanton loot that had been going on is compensated.
Jammu and Kashmir had to face a fast depletion of its forest cover during the past three decades as the region was inflicted with the menace of terrorism which also proved to a major contributor for the fast depleting forest cover.
