Srinagar, Feb 18: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday informed the Assembly that the Bandipora Forest Division has recorded an increase of 5.73 square kilometres in forest cover, as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat on deforestation, the Minister in-charge of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department said Bandipora has a recorded forest area of 1,864 square kilometres. The forests in the district include Himalayan moist temperate, dry temperate, sub-alpine and alpine types.
As per ISFR-2023, the district has witnessed a net increase of 5.73 sq km in forest cover compared to the previous assessment. Addressing concerns about unchecked deforestation, the government said no systematic incidents of deforestation have been reported from Bandipora, adding that forest protection remains a core responsibility of the department with continuous field monitoring and enforcement.
The House was informed that strict action has been taken under relevant forest laws against violators. A total of 12 forest offence cases were registered, 26 accused were booked, and seizures included 1,498.86 cubic feet of timber and six vehicles.
To further enhance green cover and rehabilitate degraded forest areas, afforestation activities are being carried out under approved schemes during the current financial year 2025–26.
Under CAMPA, 181 hectares have been treated, 31,175 running feet of fencing completed and 2.72607 lakh saplings planted. Similarly, under the Green India Mission (GIM), 47 hectares have been treated, 14,100 running feet fenced and 0.15100 lakh plants planted. In total, 228 hectares have been treated and 2.87707 lakh saplings planted in the district, the government said. (Agency)
