SRINAGAR: In response to the growing demand for firewood in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley during the harsh winter season, the Forest Department has significantly increased its supply. According to the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kashmir, the target for firewood consumption this year has been raised to 80 thousand quintals, up from 60 thousand quintals last year. This was disclosed during a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Monday to assess the firewood availability in the region.
The CCF stated that 63 thousand quintals of firewood have already been deposited at sale depots across the Valley, of which 44 thousand quintals have been distributed so far. To better meet the heightened demand, the number of sale depots has increased from thirteen last year to thirty this year. Most of the firewood demand, accounting for 95 per cent, is from mosque committees in Srinagar and other urban areas, along with some requests from gurdwara committees.
The Divisional Commissioner instructed Additional Deputy Commissioners and District Forest Officers to ensure a seamless supply of firewood, emphasising the need for designated nodal officers in each district for effective coordination. He also addressed concerns raised by MLAs regarding shortages in their constituencies, urging officials to address these deficiencies promptly. However, it was clarified that surplus firewood has already been allocated to depots in the affected areas.
The use of firewood, particularly in traditional Hamams, remains essential for residents enduring the bone-chilling winters of Kashmir, with mosques serving as primary centres of demand. The measures taken by the Forest Department aim to alleviate concerns and ensure uninterrupted supply during the peak winter months.
