SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has a forest cover of 21,346.39 square kilometres, accounting for 39.07 per cent of its total geographical area, while the estimated economic potential of its forest resources has been pegged at Rs 108.79 crore, according to a government reply placed before the Assembly.
The figures were provided by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment in response to a starred question by Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen on the status of forest resources and the functioning of the J&K Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDC).
As per the reply, J&K’s total geographical area, based on digitised boundaries provided by the Survey of India, is 54,634.12 square kilometres. The forest cover assessment is based on the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 published by the Forest Survey of India.
The government said the estimated annual economic potential of forest resources stands at Rs 10,878.51 lakh, or about Rs 108.79 crore, as per the Annual Administrative Report 2024-25 of the J&K Forest Department.
Timber extraction below targets
The JKFDC has consistently fallen short of its annual timber extraction targets over the last three financial years, although its achievement improved in 2025-26.
In 2023-24, against a target of 28.016 lakh cubic feet (cft), the corporation extracted 21.413 lakh cft of timber and realised revenue of Rs 13,329.54 lakh.
In 2024-25, the target was raised to 30.772 lakh cft, while actual extraction stood at 22.483 lakh cft, generating revenue of Rs 10,759.57 lakh.
During 2025-26, against a target of 30.770 lakh cft, the corporation achieved extraction of 26.643 lakh cft and realised Rs 10,702.36 lakh.
Expenditure exceeds revenue
The government’s figures also show that JKFDC’s expenditure remained higher than its income during each of the three years.
In 2023-24, against revenue of Rs 13,329.54 lakh, the corporation incurred expenditure of Rs 14,500 lakh. In 2024-25, revenue stood at Rs 10,759.57 lakh against expenditure of Rs 15,450 lakh, while in 2025-26, revenue was Rs 10,702.36 lakh against expenditure of Rs 13,905 lakh.
The government said JKFDC operates on grant-in-aid provided by the government and that all revenue generated from its operations is deposited in full into the government treasury through the office of the PCCF and HoFF, J&K.
It added that the corporation had reported a net profit of Rs 1,402.29 lakh as per its balance sheet for 2022-23. However, its accounts for 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 are currently under statutory audit.
Corporation carries Rs 462.71 crore liabilities
The government reply also disclosed liabilities totalling Rs 46,270.68 lakh, or around Rs 462.71 crore, on the corporation’s balance sheet.
Of this, Rs 6,213.66 lakh relates to government loan and interest liability inherited from the erstwhile State Forest Corporation. Another Rs 1,234.17 lakh is linked to liability pursuant to a Supreme Court order, while royalty payable—also a legacy liability of the erstwhile State Forest Corporation—stands at Rs 38,822.85 lakh.
Steps planned to improve operations
The government said JKFDC has assessed the factors affecting its operational efficiency and initiated corrective measures aimed at improving timber extraction, revenue generation and employment opportunities.
The measures include directing field staff to explore potential catchment areas so that more markings and coupes can be brought under operation and existing forest resources are utilised more efficiently.
The corporation is also coordinating with the Territorial Wing to increase timber marking and extraction, with the stated objective of generating additional employment and revenue.
It further plans to improve timber extraction and transportation mechanisms. Upgradation of timber extraction and off-road transportation systems has been proposed, while the use of mechanical cutters is to be regulated and skylines and aerial ropeways encouraged wherever feasible.
The government has also said that penalties for delays in timber extraction would be considered and decided by the Board of Directors.
Besides, JKFDC plans to strengthen its depot network by opening additional timber sale depots at suitable locations outside Jammu and Srinagar, with the aim of making timber available to consumers at comparatively cheaper rates.
