Jammu, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government has asserted that Bandipora’s forest cover is expanding, not shrinking, citing national assessment data to counter concerns over deforestation raised in the Legislative Assembly.
Responding to a query by legislator Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, the Minister in-charge of Forest, Ecology & Environment informed the House in a written reply that as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Bandipora district has recorded an increase of 5.73 square kilometers in forest cover compared to the previous assessment.
Bhat had sought to know whether the Bandipora Forest Division—spanning 1,864 square kilometers and known for its Himalayan moist temperate, dry temperate, sub-alpine, and alpine forest types—was shrinking due to unchecked deforestation activities and causing adverse environmental impact.
“There are no systematic deforestation incidents reported from Bandipora District,” the Minister stated, adding that forest protection remains a core function of the department with ongoing vigilance and enforcement actions substantiating its effectiveness.
The government also detailed punitive measures taken against forest offenders. According to data presented in the House, 181 forest offense cases have been registered, 26 individuals booked, and seizures including 1,498.86 cubic feet of timber and six vehicles have been made.
On the rehabilitation front, the department has undertaken afforestation activities under the Green India Mission (GIM) and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) during the current fiscal year 2025-26. Officials have treated 228 hectares of land and planted over 2.87 lakh saplings, covering both degraded forest areas and expanding green cover.
The Minister maintained that action as per provisions of applicable forest laws is being taken against individuals found involved in forest offenses to conserve the green cover and mitigate any adverse environmental impact.
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