“Ann Poshi Teli Yeli Wan Poshi” (food is subservient to forests), the aphorism of the 15th century by famous sufi saint of Kashmir Nund Reshi or Sheikh Noor ud-din Wali holds its relevance even more today due to constant depreciation of forests from this planet. This quote reminds us that forests are quintessential for our existence on this earth and more so for our own Kashmir. Located at the western extremities of the Himalayan Mountain chain, with the gushing rivers, shiny waterfalls, picturesque surroundings, the surreal beauty of Kashmir owes its very existence to its forests. Kashmir’s evergreen coniferous forests have a direct bearing on the region’s agriculture, energy and tourism industries. Yet, not only Kashmir but the entire world is doing very little to save their only source of sustenance. Exponential increase in human and livestock populations, rapid industrialization and a spurt in developmental activities witnessed in the last few decades have resulted in loss of forest area accompanied by an overall degradation of forest vegetation. From 2001 to 2020, Jammu and Kashmir lost 4.20 kha of tree cover; Rajouri recorded the most tree cover loss at 521ha compared to an average of 192 ha. Commercial extraction of timber from the forests, excessive grazing and illicit felling of trees are the few problems peculiar to UTs of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir which resulted in loss of forest land. Besides this, hundreds of hectares of the UT’s forest land have been diverted for non-forestry purposes, including 680 hectares of forest land for building the Rs 9167 crore Ujh multipurpose project in Jammu for which more than 2 lakh trees will be uprooted and 52 villages in downstream will be affected, making many families homeless. The acquisition of forest land for non-forestry purposes paints a startling picture of the rampant vandalisation of forests in Jammu and Kashmir at a time when the country’s forest cover is witnessing a vertical decline. As per the champion & Seth Classification of forest types (1965) the forest in UT of J&K & UT of Ladhak are eight groups which are further diversified in to 42 forest types, which is one of its highest in the subcontinent. . The registered forest area in the two UTs is 20,230 Sq Km of which 17,643 Sq Km is Reserved Forests, 2551 Sq Km is Protected Forest and 36 Sq Km is unclassed Forests. As of 2010, the top six regions (Kupwara 99.0kha, Udhampur 77.5kha, Reasi 76.3kha, Doda 74.5kha & Kishtwar 73.9kha) represent 54% of all tree cover. No description of the Kashmir forests would be complete without mentioning the invaluable forest products like Kuth (Saussurea Lapa), Artmesia, Santonian, Atropa Bellodana, Berberis Aristata, Asafoetida, Lac etc which are used in day-to-day life as drugs, medicines and herbs. The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Act, 1987 is the only state specific Forest/Wildlife act or rule that exists in the UTs. The two UTs have a Forest Protection Force to help the department in executing the forest laws and assist in protection of forests and wildlife. Utilization of forests beyond their sustainable capability has resulted in degradation and consequent impairment of their ability to provide environmental benefits. The effects of degradation of forests can be clearly seen in the drying up of perennial water sources in many places, accelerated soil erosion, flash floods, silting up of reservoirs, loss of biodiversity and reduced productivity. Ecological restoration of forests will have a mitigating effect on climate change, besides addressing the concerns of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation. Efforts by a handful of activists and government policies which have limited reach are merely not enough to curb this depreciating asset. We require a comprehensive and holistic approach to tackle this critical issue with more vigour and urgency. Saving of forest is paramount and non-negotiable as it is a source of life for not only mankind but thousands of other species who gainfully contribute to balancing our ecosystem. Therefore, forests have to be protected and managed in a sustainable manner with the active participation of everyone. Already there have been many drives & schemes to protect the forest, however some of the methods which shall help to recover are: Plantation of tress to be encouraged. Sensitizing the public about the value of forests through the various media. Inclusion of forest conservation topics to the school’s curriculum. Creation of an Ecological Task Force for every state to develop more forest land and reemphasise its need for our survival. Reducing the dependency of people living in remote areas on timber wood as a source of fuel and daily livelihood and encouraging use of alternate sources of fuel like electricity and LPG. Diversion of forest land for non-forestry purpose to be strictly regulated and used only as a last resort. In addition, trees to be planted elsewhere to compensate for the deforestation. Use of scientific methods and the latest technology to be incorporated in management of forests. Appropriation of adequate funds by central and state governments to enforce all the above- mentioned measures. The forest constitutes 47 percentage of the geographical area of Kashmir and Jammu regions, which provides a plethora of resources, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Therefore, the importance of the forest cannot be under mined as it is crucial for the survival of mankind. By opting for sustainable lifestyle along with environmental restoration and plating of trees, we are not only creating a better and healthier environment for ourselves but also for future generations.
