Srinagar: More than 7,000 square kilometres of land officially recorded as forest in Jammu and Kashmir is without tree cover, exposing a significant gap between the region’s recorded forest area and actual vegetation, according to a recent study by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS).
The report, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service, puts the extent of recorded forest land without tree cover at 7,087 sq km, raising concerns over the condition of forest ecosystems in the Himalayan region.
Titled “A New Vision for J&K and a New Strategy for Realising that Vision”, the study examines the state of the Union Territory’s environment, society and economy, drawing attention to the degradation of forests, water resources and other natural assets.
The findings assume significance as land classified as forest in official records does not necessarily have tree cover. The distinction means that the extent of legally recorded forest land cannot, by itself, be taken as an indicator of the actual condition of forests.
According to the study, the absence of tree cover across such a large area of recorded forest land presents a major challenge for ecological restoration in Jammu and Kashmir, where forests play an important role in protecting watersheds, regulating water flows and supporting rural livelihoods.
The report identifies environmental degradation as one of the major challenges confronting the region, alongside deficiencies in social development and inadequate livelihood opportunities.
It also draws attention to mounting pressure on the Himalayan ecosystem, particularly forests, glaciers, lakes and springs, whose deterioration could have consequences for agriculture, horticulture and communities dependent on natural resources.
The study has proposed an investment of Rs 19,131 crore over five years for nature regeneration, including measures aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and improving the management of natural resources.
The proposed amount is part of the institute’s development framework and does not represent funds sanctioned or committed by the government.
The report advocates restoration of degraded forest areas through community participation and plantation of mixed native species, rather than relying on commercial monocultures.
It also calls for strengthening the protection of water catchments and restoring natural ecosystems, linking forest conservation with the region’s long-term water security.
However, the 7,087 sq km figure should not be interpreted as forest land recently cleared of trees. It represents the gap identified by the study between recorded forest land and tree cover, and does not establish when or why individual areas became devoid of trees.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of forest restoration efforts and the need for closer assessment of the condition of recorded forest land, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
