SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that timber assistance is being extended to eligible fire-affected families in Langate, while ex-gratia relief under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms is being processed.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said the Forest Department provides timber assistance to fire victims residing within the A-Zone concession area, subject to prescribed procedures and the availability of fallen or dry standing trees.
The minister told the House that no application seeking timber assistance under the Kashmir Forest Notice had been received from Tantarygund village in Block Haril.
He said Lokipora, Superneghama and Gundkuhroo villages do not fall within the A-Zone concession area and are therefore not covered under the relevant rules. However, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC) had provided timber assistance to Mohammad Jamal Sheikh of Gundkuhroo against a sanction of 60 cubic feet issued on September 21, 2026.
In Neelipora, two applications seeking timber assistance are currently under process, he added.
Rana said JKFDC would provide admissible timber assistance to eligible fire-affected persons on a priority basis after completion of verification and other formalities. He informed the House that Common Service Timber Depots have been established to facilitate receipt and processing of applications, with each case undergoing field verification before sanction.
The minister also said that during the current financial year, Langate Forest Division had provided timber assistance to fire victims in the constituency at 10 per cent of the standard rate applicable in the A-Zone.
On relief measures, Rana said the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, had provided blankets, kitchen sets and tarpaulins to affected families. In addition, cash assistance of ₹10,000 each had been provided to families whose houses were fully or severely damaged, while ₹5,000 each had been provided to those whose houses suffered partial damage through the District Red Cross Fund.
He added that ex-gratia assistance under SDRF norms for affected families was under process and would be disbursed after approval by the competent committee in accordance with prescribed procedures.
