Jammu, Mar 11: The Jammu and Kashmir government has denied reports of large-scale damage to forests in the Karnah Range due to illegal tree cutting and forest fires.
Responding to a question in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister in charge of Forest, Ecology and Environment Department stated that “no major damage” has occurred in the area over the past three years.
In a written reply to the question raised by MLA Javid Ahmad Mirchal, the department acknowledged a few isolated incidents of illegal tree cutting and forest fires but emphasized that they have not caused any substantial harm to the forests.
According to the data, two forest damage cases were registered in 2022–23, involving the seizure of 158.47 cubic feet of timber. However, there were no such cases reported in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Regarding forest fires, a total of four incidents were reported over the past three years, affecting an area of approximately 8 hectares. The department clarified that these were primarily ground fires and did not result in significant tree loss.
To counter any degradation and improve forest health, the Forest Department has undertaken a series of plantation drives. The Kehmil Forest Division, which oversees the Karnah Range, has treated 74.86 hectares of forest land and planted over 1.18 lakh saplings in the past three years.
The department stated that such drives are part of a broader initiative to enhance forest cover and aid natural regeneration of native tree species in their habitats. These efforts are aimed at maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity in the region.
