By: Ikkz Ikbal
Jammu and Kashmir has long been known for its breathtaking landscapes, thick forests, and rich biodiversity. These forests are not just patches of green; they are life itself—home to rare wildlife, protectors of our water sources, and warriors against climate change. But today, they stand wounded. The axe of deforestation, the greed of illegal timber mafias, wildfires, and unregulated urbanization are choking the very lungs that allow us to breathe.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Studies suggest that Jammu and Kashmir is losing its forest cover at an alarming rate, with illegal encroachments, overgrazing, and climate change accelerating the damage. The once-mighty rivers, fed by forest-fed springs, are drying up. Landslides, previously rare, are now a seasonal disaster. The absence of thick tree roots to hold the soil together has turned our land fragile. The balance that nature maintained for centuries is collapsing before our eyes.
The loss of forests is not just about trees; it is about life. The majestic Hangul (Kashmiri stag), once the pride of our land, is on the verge of extinction, struggling to survive as its habitat disappears. Leopards, bears, and other wildlife are now frequently spotted in human settlements—not because they seek to harm us, but because we have destroyed their homes.
And then there’s us—the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the climate we live in are all intricately tied to our forests. Every felled tree is a nail in the coffin of our future. Every wildfire left uncontrolled is a step closer to an irreversible catastrophe.
The Time to Act is Now!
We cannot afford to sit back and watch as our forests die. Action is needed—bold, urgent, and relentless.
The authorities must crack down on illegal logging and encroachments. Corruption within forest departments must be rooted out.
Community-driven plantation drives should be encouraged, ensuring that for every tree lost, at least five more are planted. Construction and development projects must follow strict environmental guidelines to prevent further destruction.
Schools, colleges, and local communities must be involved in conservation efforts. Awareness campaigns, documentaries, and nature walks should educate the younger generation about the importance of forests.
Many forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir are man-made. Strict penalties, along with public education on fire hazards, can prevent unnecessary destruction.
Will We Let the Last Leaf Fall?
The forests of Jammu and Kashmir are our heritage, our shield against climate disasters, and our promise to future generations. If we don’t fight for them today, there may be nothing left to fight for tomorrow. The question is—will we act before the last leaf falls, or will we remain silent spectators to our own destruction?
Who is Accountable, and How Do We Act?
The slow death of Jammu and Kashmir’s forests is not a mystery—it is the result of unchecked deforestation, illegal encroachments, poor governance, and public apathy. Who is accountable? The answer is simple: everyone. The government, forest officials, timber mafias, reckless developers, and even ordinary citizens who ignore the crisis or contribute to it through negligence.
But accountability alone won’t save our forests—action will. The government must enforce stricter laws and penalties against illegal deforestation, invest in large-scale afforestation, and involve communities in conservation efforts. Schools and universities must educate young minds about environmental responsibility. And most importantly, each of us must take responsibility—plant trees, protect green spaces, report illegal activities, and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
The last leaf has not fallen—yet. But if we don’t act now, soon there will be nothing left to save. Will we remain spectators, or will we rise as guardians of our land? The choice is ours.
The time to act is now. Let’s not let our forests become just a memory.
The writer is PG Biotechnology and is Administrator at Maryam Memorial Institute Qaziabad. He tweets @IkkzIkbal
