Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Mar 14 : The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has sanctioned over 17,000 trees for bonafide use by locals under the Jammu Forest Notice and Kashmir Forest Notice in the past three years, government data reveals.
According to official data accessed by news agency, a total of 17,308 trees have been sanctioned since 2022, amounting to over 25 lakh cubic feet (Cft) of timber, benefiting 18,471 people across Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2022-23, 5,761 trees were sanctioned, amounting to 8,68,166 Cft of timber for 6,088 beneficiaries. The number increased in 2023-24, with 6,223 trees sanctioned, providing 9,59,676 Cft of timber to 6,720 beneficiaries. However, the current fiscal year 2024-25 (up to February 28, 2025) has seen a sharp decline, with only 5,324 trees sanctioned, totalling 7,95,642 Cft of timber, benefiting 5,663 individuals.
A notable decline in the number of trees sanctioned in the 2024-25 financial year (up to February 28, 2025) indicates a potential shortage or stricter regulations in timber distribution. Compared to 6,223 trees sanctioned in 2023-24, the current year has seen only 5,324 trees sanctioned so far, with fewer beneficiaries.
The drop in the timber volume from 9.59 lakh Cft in 2023-24 to 7.95 lakh Cft in 2024-25 also suggests possible constraints in timber extraction.
Meanwhile, the government earlier in response to a query raised by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, revealed that over the past two years, J&K has received a total of 1,87,982.62 quintals of firewood, with a significantly higher allocation to the Kashmir region.
According to official data, 1,40,481.95 quintals were distributed in Kashmir, while Jammu received 47,500.69 quintals during 2023-24 and 2024-25 (up to February 28, 2025).
Additionally, 1,637 quintals of firewood were supplied to religious institutions such as mosques and cremation grounds in Sopore Constituency this winter, the government data reveals.
