Jammu, Apr 01: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there is no shortage of timber in the Union Territory, with over 13.75 lakh cubic feet of stock readily available across depots to effectively manage supply and meet consumer demand.
In a written reply to National Conference MLA from Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department as per Kashmir Convener stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDCL) is operating a network of 21 Concessional Timber Sale Depots (CTSDs) and eight Sale Depots across the UT, ensuring adequate availability of the essential commodity.
Official figures revealed that the current timber stock at CTSDs stands at 10.024 lakh cubic feet, while Sale Depots hold an additional 3.727 lakh cubic feet. The government further informed the House that the Corporation has already sold 16.876 lakh cubic feet of timber to consumers during the current year, reflecting robust distribution mechanisms.
Responding to a query regarding the import of timber to address any possible shortages, the government maintained that the existing network of depots and the current stock position are sufficient to manage supply without any external dependence.
On the issue of restrictions on felling of specific tree species, the government clarified that the cutting of trees on private lands is regulated under the Jammu & Kashmir Specified Tree Act, 1969, with permissions being granted by the concerned Divisional Commissioner.
Regarding the ban on felling Deodar, Khair and other trees, the reply noted that in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated September 16, 2013, the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Forest Land Khair Trees (Acacia catechu) Management Plan Rules, 2016 were issued. A management plan with an 11-year felling cycle is already in place for Khair trees growing on private lands, the government informed the legislature.
The government further stated that re-enumeration of Khair trees in growing villages and districts is scheduled during the year 2026-27, following which an extraction plan will be prepared and submitted to the Supreme Court for further implementation.
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