SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed 1,243 forest fires so far in the 2024-25 year until March 19, affecting over 3,500 hectares of land, official data reveals. The figures indicate an increase from last year, when 607 fire incidents were reported, impacting 987 hectares.
In 2022-23, the region recorded 1,253 forest fires, burning through 2,774 hectares. Over the last three years, more than 7,000 hectares of forest land in J&K has been affected by wildfires.
Responding to a query by legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia regarding forest fire protection measures, the government refuted claims that there is no concrete policy in place to tackle the issue. Officials stated that the Forest Department prioritises fire prevention and mitigation and has taken multiple steps to address the crisis.
Key measures include the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Policy of 2011, which highlights forest fire management as a crucial part of forest protection. Additionally, a 20-year State Action Plan on Forest Fire (SAPFF) has been developed to mitigate damage.
The government is also providing funds under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Forest Fire Prevention and Management to combat fires. A State-Level Monitoring Committee has been formed to oversee prevention efforts.
Officials clarified that most reported fires in the region are ground or surface fires, primarily burning grass and bushes rather than tall trees.
