SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday reported that the Jammu region has recorded more than 1,760 forest fire incidents from the financial year 2023–24 up to January 2026, impacting over 4,100 hectares of forest area.
Data issued by the Forest and Environment Department shows that 1,763 fire incidents were documented across 19 forest divisions during the period, affecting 4,195.24 hectares of land.
In 2023–24, a total of 281 incidents were reported, damaging nearly 371.49 hectares. The figure rose sharply in 2024–25, when 1,135 cases were registered, affecting around 3,154.90 hectares across the region.
In the current financial year, up to the end of January 2026, 419 incidents have been reported so far, with approximately 668.85 hectares of forest land affected.
Division-wise data indicates that East Jammu recorded the highest number of incidents in 2024–25, with 488 cases covering about 1,786.56 hectares. West Jammu followed with 326 cases affecting 875.03 hectares, while the Chenab division reported 321 incidents impacting 493.31 hectares.
So far in 2025–26, West Jammu has reported the highest number of incidents at 171, involving nearly 331.95 hectares. East Jammu recorded 98 cases affecting 147.7 hectares, while the Chenab division reported 150 incidents covering 189.2 hectares.
Among individual forest divisions, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Batote, Reasi and Rajouri consistently registered higher numbers of fire incidents during the review period. In contrast, Samba, Billawar and NHIA Batote reported relatively fewer cases.
The government stated that the figures highlight the increasing challenge of forest fires in the Jammu region and underline the need for stronger preventive measures, enhanced monitoring and quicker response systems to limit damage to forest resources and property.
