SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday said that timber extraction in the Union Territory is regulated and carried out strictly in accordance with the Supreme Court’s 1996 ruling.
In response to a question raised by PDP legislator Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the Minister in charge of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, informed the Legislative Assembly that the government permits only the removal of dead, dry, and diseased trees through the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC), in line with the Supreme Court’s directives.
The Minister also ruled out revoking the existing timber distribution policy, stating that the responsibility for timber extraction and sale was assigned to JKFDC in 2016 to ensure better accountability and transparency.
He added that the territorial wing of the Forest Department is responsible for identifying and marking dead, dry, and diseased trees, which are then extracted by JKFDC as per Supreme Court-mandated norms.
“No commercial felling of green trees is permitted, and hence, there is no question of any adverse environmental impact,” he said.
Addressing concerns over illegal timber extraction and black marketing, the Minister stated that strict action is taken against offenders, including lodging FIRs, departmental action, and, in some cases, invoking the Public Safety Act (PSA) to curb timber smuggling.
To enhance transparency in timber distribution and prevent black marketing, the Forest Development Corporation is developing an online portal to streamline supply and ensure hassle-free distribution.
The government further stated that a yearly action plan with fixed timelines is being prepared to ensure smooth coordination between the Forest Department and JKFDC. (KNO)
