The Jammu and Kashmir government has disclosed that 19,501.87 hectares of forest land in the Union Territory are under illegal occupation, as revealed by the Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment in response to a query by BJP MLA Dr. Narinder Singh during an Assembly session. Of this, 5,891.49 hectares are in the Kashmir region, with the remainder in Jammu, highlighting a significant challenge to the region’s ecological integrity.

To address this issue, the Forest Department has launched comprehensive measures to reclaim the encroached land. Detailed surveys and demarcation of forest boundaries are underway to identify encroachments, and notices have been issued to encroachers under Section 79(A) of the Indian Forests Act, 1927, directing them to vacate the occupied areas. These efforts aim to restore the affected forest land and prevent further violations.

The department is also conducting eviction drives to remove illegal occupants. Once reclaimed, the land is fenced, replanted with indigenous species, and restored to its original forest condition to deter re-encroachment. These restoration efforts are part of a broader strategy to safeguard J&K’s forests, which are critical to the region’s biodiversity and environmental stability.

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To enhance protection, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Forest Protection Force, has intensified vigilance over forest areas. The use of advanced technologies, including remote sensing, GPS, and drones, is being employed to monitor and prevent new encroachment attempts. These measures reflect a proactive approach to preserving the Union Territory’s natural resources.

The revelation of such extensive encroachment has raised concerns about the long-term impact on J&K’s forests, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public awareness to protect these vital ecosystems. The government’s ongoing efforts signal a commitment to combating illegal occupation and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources in the region.

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