Forests of Jammu and Kashmir | JKPSC KAS (Jammu and Kashmir): Preparation Course PDF Download

 Page 1


FORESTSOF JAMMU
AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER8
Forests are one of the most important resources of Jammu and
Kashmir. The total forest cover of the state is more than 10% of its total
geographical area. The State Government revised its forest policy to
maintain and protect the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a good forest cover. Here a number of tree
species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry, fruit trees and
so on. Some medicinal herbs are also found in the state such as belladonna,
hyoscyamus, digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisis and so on. Due to its vast forest
cover many forest based industries are dependent on these forests like paper, sports
goods, silk, furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
Recorded Forest Area
According to India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Jammu
and Kashmir is 20230 sq km, which is 9.10% of the total geographical area of the
state.This recorded forest area is divided intothree typesof forests which are as follows:
ReservedForests Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as ‘reserved forests’. As per the State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forests (17643 sq km) cover 87.21%.
ProtectedForests Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is
subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as ‘the protected forests’. As per the
State of Forest Report, 2017, protected forests (2551 sq km) cover 12.61%.
UnclassedForests Those forests which largely consists of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as unclassed forests. As per the State of Forest Report,
2017, unclassed forests (36 sq km) cover 0.18%.
Out of total forest area, 90.68% are under coniferous forest while 9.32% are claimed
by non-coniferous or non-commercial-forest. Forests are largely distributed in
Kashmir valley and Jammu region.
Page 2


FORESTSOF JAMMU
AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER8
Forests are one of the most important resources of Jammu and
Kashmir. The total forest cover of the state is more than 10% of its total
geographical area. The State Government revised its forest policy to
maintain and protect the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a good forest cover. Here a number of tree
species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry, fruit trees and
so on. Some medicinal herbs are also found in the state such as belladonna,
hyoscyamus, digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisis and so on. Due to its vast forest
cover many forest based industries are dependent on these forests like paper, sports
goods, silk, furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
Recorded Forest Area
According to India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Jammu
and Kashmir is 20230 sq km, which is 9.10% of the total geographical area of the
state.This recorded forest area is divided intothree typesof forests which are as follows:
ReservedForests Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as ‘reserved forests’. As per the State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forests (17643 sq km) cover 87.21%.
ProtectedForests Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is
subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as ‘the protected forests’. As per the
State of Forest Report, 2017, protected forests (2551 sq km) cover 12.61%.
UnclassedForests Those forests which largely consists of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as unclassed forests. As per the State of Forest Report,
2017, unclassed forests (36 sq km) cover 0.18%.
Out of total forest area, 90.68% are under coniferous forest while 9.32% are claimed
by non-coniferous or non-commercial-forest. Forests are largely distributed in
Kashmir valley and Jammu region.
Due to having cold desert and harsh climatic condition, Ladakh has very few forest
area in the region.Region wise distribution of forest cover are asfollows:
KashmirValleyRegion 8128 sq km (50.97% of its total geographical area).
JammuRegion 12066 sq km (45.89% of its total geographical area).
LadakhRegion 36 sq km (0.11% of its total geographical area).
Forest Cover
According to State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover of the Jammu and
Kashmir is 23241 sq km (10.46% of the state’s geographical area). Jammu and
Kashmir has about 4075 sq km area under very dense forest, 8579 sq km area under
moderately dense forest and 10,587 sq km area under open forest. The highest forest
cover lies in the altitude zone of 2000-3000 m due to the average height. Whereas,
the lowest forest cover is found above 4000 m altitude.
District–Wise Forest Cover
The Outside LOC district has the highest forest cover with 7229 sq km. The Kargil
district has the lowest forest area of 46 sq km.The district-wise distribution of forest
over has been given in the table below:
District-wise Forest Cover (2017) (in sq km)
District Geographical Area 2017 Assessment
Very Dense
Forest
Moderately
Dense Forest
Open Forest Total
Anantnag 3,984 149 617 621 1,387
Baramulla 4,588 445 321 391 1,157
Budgam 1,371 108 69 135 312
Doda 11,691 589 1,663 1,567 3,819
Jammu 3,097 0 315 581 896
Kargil 14,037 0 1 45 46
Kathua 2,651 111 618 645 1,374
Kupwara 2,379 468 369 313 1,150
Leh 45,110 0 14 78 92
Outside LOC 1,20,848 1,347 2,460 3,422 7,229
Poonch 1,674 187 289 239 715
Pulwama 1,398 104 102 292 498
Rajouri 2,630 48 437 759 1,244
Srinagar 2,228 162 217 207 586
Udhampur 4,550 357 1,087 1,292 2,736
Total 2,22,236 4,075 8,579 10,587 23,241
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Page 3


FORESTSOF JAMMU
AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER8
Forests are one of the most important resources of Jammu and
Kashmir. The total forest cover of the state is more than 10% of its total
geographical area. The State Government revised its forest policy to
maintain and protect the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a good forest cover. Here a number of tree
species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry, fruit trees and
so on. Some medicinal herbs are also found in the state such as belladonna,
hyoscyamus, digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisis and so on. Due to its vast forest
cover many forest based industries are dependent on these forests like paper, sports
goods, silk, furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
Recorded Forest Area
According to India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Jammu
and Kashmir is 20230 sq km, which is 9.10% of the total geographical area of the
state.This recorded forest area is divided intothree typesof forests which are as follows:
ReservedForests Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as ‘reserved forests’. As per the State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forests (17643 sq km) cover 87.21%.
ProtectedForests Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is
subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as ‘the protected forests’. As per the
State of Forest Report, 2017, protected forests (2551 sq km) cover 12.61%.
UnclassedForests Those forests which largely consists of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as unclassed forests. As per the State of Forest Report,
2017, unclassed forests (36 sq km) cover 0.18%.
Out of total forest area, 90.68% are under coniferous forest while 9.32% are claimed
by non-coniferous or non-commercial-forest. Forests are largely distributed in
Kashmir valley and Jammu region.
Due to having cold desert and harsh climatic condition, Ladakh has very few forest
area in the region.Region wise distribution of forest cover are asfollows:
KashmirValleyRegion 8128 sq km (50.97% of its total geographical area).
JammuRegion 12066 sq km (45.89% of its total geographical area).
LadakhRegion 36 sq km (0.11% of its total geographical area).
Forest Cover
According to State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover of the Jammu and
Kashmir is 23241 sq km (10.46% of the state’s geographical area). Jammu and
Kashmir has about 4075 sq km area under very dense forest, 8579 sq km area under
moderately dense forest and 10,587 sq km area under open forest. The highest forest
cover lies in the altitude zone of 2000-3000 m due to the average height. Whereas,
the lowest forest cover is found above 4000 m altitude.
District–Wise Forest Cover
The Outside LOC district has the highest forest cover with 7229 sq km. The Kargil
district has the lowest forest area of 46 sq km.The district-wise distribution of forest
over has been given in the table below:
District-wise Forest Cover (2017) (in sq km)
District Geographical Area 2017 Assessment
Very Dense
Forest
Moderately
Dense Forest
Open Forest Total
Anantnag 3,984 149 617 621 1,387
Baramulla 4,588 445 321 391 1,157
Budgam 1,371 108 69 135 312
Doda 11,691 589 1,663 1,567 3,819
Jammu 3,097 0 315 581 896
Kargil 14,037 0 1 45 46
Kathua 2,651 111 618 645 1,374
Kupwara 2,379 468 369 313 1,150
Leh 45,110 0 14 78 92
Outside LOC 1,20,848 1,347 2,460 3,422 7,229
Poonch 1,674 187 289 239 715
Pulwama 1,398 104 102 292 498
Rajouri 2,630 48 437 759 1,244
Srinagar 2,228 162 217 207 586
Udhampur 4,550 357 1,087 1,292 2,736
Total 2,22,236 4,075 8,579 10,587 23,241
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Classification of Forest in Jammu and Kashmir
Forests of the state are spread over three broad geo-climatic zones covering, Jammu,
Kahsmir and Ladakh region. Vegetation and climate can broadly be categorised into
sub-tropical, temperate and alpine zones.The state hasfive types of forest such as:
Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests
These forests are found at an altitude about 1000 m above sea level in Shiwaliks
( Jammu and Kashmir) and Western Himalayan regions. These forests are
characterised by low scrub forest with small evergreen restricted trees and shrubs.
The most predominant species of these forests are olive, babool and kakkar.
Sub-tropical Pine Forests
These forests are found at an altitude between 1000 to 2000 m above sea level in the
Western Himalayan region. The most predominant species of these forests is chir,
which is used for furniture making and for buildings.
Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests
These are found at an altitude between 1500 to 3300 m in the temperate zone of the
Himalayas. These are mainly found in the Kashmir valley region. These are open
forests with dense growth of shrubs which have species like rhododendrons and
some bamboos. Important species of these forests are oak and conifers. Other tree
species are pine, cedar, silver fir, spruce, etc.
Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests
These are found in the inner dry ranges of the Himalayan region e.g. in Ladakh
region of Jammu and Kashmir. Important species of these forests are xerophytic
shrubs with coniferous forests which include deodar, oak, olive tree species.
Sub-alpine and Alpine Forests
Apine forests are found at high altitudes above 3500 m. Sub-alpine forests are a part
of Alpine forests which are found at altitudes between 3100 to 3500 m mainly in
Ladakh region. The important characteristics of these forests are presence of a
mixture of coniferous trees (30 m in height) and broad leaved trees (10 m in height),
like, fir, spruce and rhododendron species.
Here epiphytic mosses (flowerless plants) and lichens are found in abundance. In
Alpine forests, dwarf trees with or without conifers are found at lower level and at
higher level scrubs and scattered xerophytic shrubs merge with alpine meadows.
Important plant species of alpine forests are junipers, betula, pinus, abies, pyrus,
shrubby rhododendrons, salix, etc. The alpine or sub-alpine forests in the inner valley
of Kashmir are locally known as margs.
Page 4


FORESTSOF JAMMU
AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER8
Forests are one of the most important resources of Jammu and
Kashmir. The total forest cover of the state is more than 10% of its total
geographical area. The State Government revised its forest policy to
maintain and protect the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a good forest cover. Here a number of tree
species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry, fruit trees and
so on. Some medicinal herbs are also found in the state such as belladonna,
hyoscyamus, digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisis and so on. Due to its vast forest
cover many forest based industries are dependent on these forests like paper, sports
goods, silk, furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
Recorded Forest Area
According to India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Jammu
and Kashmir is 20230 sq km, which is 9.10% of the total geographical area of the
state.This recorded forest area is divided intothree typesof forests which are as follows:
ReservedForests Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as ‘reserved forests’. As per the State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forests (17643 sq km) cover 87.21%.
ProtectedForests Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is
subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as ‘the protected forests’. As per the
State of Forest Report, 2017, protected forests (2551 sq km) cover 12.61%.
UnclassedForests Those forests which largely consists of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as unclassed forests. As per the State of Forest Report,
2017, unclassed forests (36 sq km) cover 0.18%.
Out of total forest area, 90.68% are under coniferous forest while 9.32% are claimed
by non-coniferous or non-commercial-forest. Forests are largely distributed in
Kashmir valley and Jammu region.
Due to having cold desert and harsh climatic condition, Ladakh has very few forest
area in the region.Region wise distribution of forest cover are asfollows:
KashmirValleyRegion 8128 sq km (50.97% of its total geographical area).
JammuRegion 12066 sq km (45.89% of its total geographical area).
LadakhRegion 36 sq km (0.11% of its total geographical area).
Forest Cover
According to State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover of the Jammu and
Kashmir is 23241 sq km (10.46% of the state’s geographical area). Jammu and
Kashmir has about 4075 sq km area under very dense forest, 8579 sq km area under
moderately dense forest and 10,587 sq km area under open forest. The highest forest
cover lies in the altitude zone of 2000-3000 m due to the average height. Whereas,
the lowest forest cover is found above 4000 m altitude.
District–Wise Forest Cover
The Outside LOC district has the highest forest cover with 7229 sq km. The Kargil
district has the lowest forest area of 46 sq km.The district-wise distribution of forest
over has been given in the table below:
District-wise Forest Cover (2017) (in sq km)
District Geographical Area 2017 Assessment
Very Dense
Forest
Moderately
Dense Forest
Open Forest Total
Anantnag 3,984 149 617 621 1,387
Baramulla 4,588 445 321 391 1,157
Budgam 1,371 108 69 135 312
Doda 11,691 589 1,663 1,567 3,819
Jammu 3,097 0 315 581 896
Kargil 14,037 0 1 45 46
Kathua 2,651 111 618 645 1,374
Kupwara 2,379 468 369 313 1,150
Leh 45,110 0 14 78 92
Outside LOC 1,20,848 1,347 2,460 3,422 7,229
Poonch 1,674 187 289 239 715
Pulwama 1,398 104 102 292 498
Rajouri 2,630 48 437 759 1,244
Srinagar 2,228 162 217 207 586
Udhampur 4,550 357 1,087 1,292 2,736
Total 2,22,236 4,075 8,579 10,587 23,241
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Classification of Forest in Jammu and Kashmir
Forests of the state are spread over three broad geo-climatic zones covering, Jammu,
Kahsmir and Ladakh region. Vegetation and climate can broadly be categorised into
sub-tropical, temperate and alpine zones.The state hasfive types of forest such as:
Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests
These forests are found at an altitude about 1000 m above sea level in Shiwaliks
( Jammu and Kashmir) and Western Himalayan regions. These forests are
characterised by low scrub forest with small evergreen restricted trees and shrubs.
The most predominant species of these forests are olive, babool and kakkar.
Sub-tropical Pine Forests
These forests are found at an altitude between 1000 to 2000 m above sea level in the
Western Himalayan region. The most predominant species of these forests is chir,
which is used for furniture making and for buildings.
Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests
These are found at an altitude between 1500 to 3300 m in the temperate zone of the
Himalayas. These are mainly found in the Kashmir valley region. These are open
forests with dense growth of shrubs which have species like rhododendrons and
some bamboos. Important species of these forests are oak and conifers. Other tree
species are pine, cedar, silver fir, spruce, etc.
Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests
These are found in the inner dry ranges of the Himalayan region e.g. in Ladakh
region of Jammu and Kashmir. Important species of these forests are xerophytic
shrubs with coniferous forests which include deodar, oak, olive tree species.
Sub-alpine and Alpine Forests
Apine forests are found at high altitudes above 3500 m. Sub-alpine forests are a part
of Alpine forests which are found at altitudes between 3100 to 3500 m mainly in
Ladakh region. The important characteristics of these forests are presence of a
mixture of coniferous trees (30 m in height) and broad leaved trees (10 m in height),
like, fir, spruce and rhododendron species.
Here epiphytic mosses (flowerless plants) and lichens are found in abundance. In
Alpine forests, dwarf trees with or without conifers are found at lower level and at
higher level scrubs and scattered xerophytic shrubs merge with alpine meadows.
Important plant species of alpine forests are junipers, betula, pinus, abies, pyrus,
shrubby rhododendrons, salix, etc. The alpine or sub-alpine forests in the inner valley
of Kashmir are locally known as margs.
TheJammuandKashmirStateForestPolicy,2010
The Jammu and Kashmir Government launched a new Forest Policy which aimed at
conserving biodiversity, rehabilitation and protection of degraded forests, protection of
forest land and creating a sustained people’s movement for healthy forests in the state.
Important objectives of the State Forest Policy of Jammu and Kashmir,2010 are as follows:
n
To preserve the natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna.
n
To restore degraded forests in order to optimise their productivity.
n
To improve productivity of existing forests and encourage forestry activities,
schemes and programmes in order to supply forest produce to the people who are
dependent on forests. This will help to remove poverty.
n
Use integrated watershed management techniques and practices in order to check
denudation and soil erosion in catchments.
n
To develop forest fringe belt into high production tree strips. It will help to reduce
pressure on forests.
Important Strategies for Forest Protection and
Conservation
Important strategies for forest protection and conservation under the Jammu and Kashmir
State Forest Policy,2010 are asfollows:
ParticipatoryForestManagementandForestExtension The Government of Jammu
and Kashmir is trying to involve forest dependent communities to protect and
conserve forest resources. So, to achieve this goal, it is important to create livelihood
opportunities for forest dependent communities and their involvement in the
decision-making process. In order to aware people about the value of forests, wildlife
and nature, the government will involve media and educational institutions.
MaintainingForestCover Under the Forest Policy-2010, the State Government is
working in the direction to maintain the adequate forest cover in various regions of
the state, with due consideration for the cold desert conditions of Ladakh region. As
Ladakh region is mostly devoid of vegetation and supports many rare and endemic
species of both flora and fauna.
ConservationofNaturalForests As per the forest policy atleast one-fourth of the
forest area in each division will be conserved for regeneration of open forests and
conservation of biodiversity. To achieve this aim, many working plans will be
formulated, or revised for each division. Conservation and commercial exploitation
of germplasm of valuable medicinal plants will be done in a sustainable manner. A
systematic treatment of the forest areas, which are affected by the invasive weeds like
LantanaCamera, will be done to increase the supply of fodder, firewood, timber and
other produce. To check the soil erosion and denudation in catchments, integrated
watershed management approach will be adopted.
Page 5


FORESTSOF JAMMU
AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER8
Forests are one of the most important resources of Jammu and
Kashmir. The total forest cover of the state is more than 10% of its total
geographical area. The State Government revised its forest policy to
maintain and protect the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a good forest cover. Here a number of tree
species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry, fruit trees and
so on. Some medicinal herbs are also found in the state such as belladonna,
hyoscyamus, digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisis and so on. Due to its vast forest
cover many forest based industries are dependent on these forests like paper, sports
goods, silk, furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
Recorded Forest Area
According to India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Jammu
and Kashmir is 20230 sq km, which is 9.10% of the total geographical area of the
state.This recorded forest area is divided intothree typesof forests which are as follows:
ReservedForests Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as ‘reserved forests’. As per the State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forests (17643 sq km) cover 87.21%.
ProtectedForests Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is
subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as ‘the protected forests’. As per the
State of Forest Report, 2017, protected forests (2551 sq km) cover 12.61%.
UnclassedForests Those forests which largely consists of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as unclassed forests. As per the State of Forest Report,
2017, unclassed forests (36 sq km) cover 0.18%.
Out of total forest area, 90.68% are under coniferous forest while 9.32% are claimed
by non-coniferous or non-commercial-forest. Forests are largely distributed in
Kashmir valley and Jammu region.
Due to having cold desert and harsh climatic condition, Ladakh has very few forest
area in the region.Region wise distribution of forest cover are asfollows:
KashmirValleyRegion 8128 sq km (50.97% of its total geographical area).
JammuRegion 12066 sq km (45.89% of its total geographical area).
LadakhRegion 36 sq km (0.11% of its total geographical area).
Forest Cover
According to State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover of the Jammu and
Kashmir is 23241 sq km (10.46% of the state’s geographical area). Jammu and
Kashmir has about 4075 sq km area under very dense forest, 8579 sq km area under
moderately dense forest and 10,587 sq km area under open forest. The highest forest
cover lies in the altitude zone of 2000-3000 m due to the average height. Whereas,
the lowest forest cover is found above 4000 m altitude.
District–Wise Forest Cover
The Outside LOC district has the highest forest cover with 7229 sq km. The Kargil
district has the lowest forest area of 46 sq km.The district-wise distribution of forest
over has been given in the table below:
District-wise Forest Cover (2017) (in sq km)
District Geographical Area 2017 Assessment
Very Dense
Forest
Moderately
Dense Forest
Open Forest Total
Anantnag 3,984 149 617 621 1,387
Baramulla 4,588 445 321 391 1,157
Budgam 1,371 108 69 135 312
Doda 11,691 589 1,663 1,567 3,819
Jammu 3,097 0 315 581 896
Kargil 14,037 0 1 45 46
Kathua 2,651 111 618 645 1,374
Kupwara 2,379 468 369 313 1,150
Leh 45,110 0 14 78 92
Outside LOC 1,20,848 1,347 2,460 3,422 7,229
Poonch 1,674 187 289 239 715
Pulwama 1,398 104 102 292 498
Rajouri 2,630 48 437 759 1,244
Srinagar 2,228 162 217 207 586
Udhampur 4,550 357 1,087 1,292 2,736
Total 2,22,236 4,075 8,579 10,587 23,241
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Classification of Forest in Jammu and Kashmir
Forests of the state are spread over three broad geo-climatic zones covering, Jammu,
Kahsmir and Ladakh region. Vegetation and climate can broadly be categorised into
sub-tropical, temperate and alpine zones.The state hasfive types of forest such as:
Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests
These forests are found at an altitude about 1000 m above sea level in Shiwaliks
( Jammu and Kashmir) and Western Himalayan regions. These forests are
characterised by low scrub forest with small evergreen restricted trees and shrubs.
The most predominant species of these forests are olive, babool and kakkar.
Sub-tropical Pine Forests
These forests are found at an altitude between 1000 to 2000 m above sea level in the
Western Himalayan region. The most predominant species of these forests is chir,
which is used for furniture making and for buildings.
Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests
These are found at an altitude between 1500 to 3300 m in the temperate zone of the
Himalayas. These are mainly found in the Kashmir valley region. These are open
forests with dense growth of shrubs which have species like rhododendrons and
some bamboos. Important species of these forests are oak and conifers. Other tree
species are pine, cedar, silver fir, spruce, etc.
Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests
These are found in the inner dry ranges of the Himalayan region e.g. in Ladakh
region of Jammu and Kashmir. Important species of these forests are xerophytic
shrubs with coniferous forests which include deodar, oak, olive tree species.
Sub-alpine and Alpine Forests
Apine forests are found at high altitudes above 3500 m. Sub-alpine forests are a part
of Alpine forests which are found at altitudes between 3100 to 3500 m mainly in
Ladakh region. The important characteristics of these forests are presence of a
mixture of coniferous trees (30 m in height) and broad leaved trees (10 m in height),
like, fir, spruce and rhododendron species.
Here epiphytic mosses (flowerless plants) and lichens are found in abundance. In
Alpine forests, dwarf trees with or without conifers are found at lower level and at
higher level scrubs and scattered xerophytic shrubs merge with alpine meadows.
Important plant species of alpine forests are junipers, betula, pinus, abies, pyrus,
shrubby rhododendrons, salix, etc. The alpine or sub-alpine forests in the inner valley
of Kashmir are locally known as margs.
TheJammuandKashmirStateForestPolicy,2010
The Jammu and Kashmir Government launched a new Forest Policy which aimed at
conserving biodiversity, rehabilitation and protection of degraded forests, protection of
forest land and creating a sustained people’s movement for healthy forests in the state.
Important objectives of the State Forest Policy of Jammu and Kashmir,2010 are as follows:
n
To preserve the natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna.
n
To restore degraded forests in order to optimise their productivity.
n
To improve productivity of existing forests and encourage forestry activities,
schemes and programmes in order to supply forest produce to the people who are
dependent on forests. This will help to remove poverty.
n
Use integrated watershed management techniques and practices in order to check
denudation and soil erosion in catchments.
n
To develop forest fringe belt into high production tree strips. It will help to reduce
pressure on forests.
Important Strategies for Forest Protection and
Conservation
Important strategies for forest protection and conservation under the Jammu and Kashmir
State Forest Policy,2010 are asfollows:
ParticipatoryForestManagementandForestExtension The Government of Jammu
and Kashmir is trying to involve forest dependent communities to protect and
conserve forest resources. So, to achieve this goal, it is important to create livelihood
opportunities for forest dependent communities and their involvement in the
decision-making process. In order to aware people about the value of forests, wildlife
and nature, the government will involve media and educational institutions.
MaintainingForestCover Under the Forest Policy-2010, the State Government is
working in the direction to maintain the adequate forest cover in various regions of
the state, with due consideration for the cold desert conditions of Ladakh region. As
Ladakh region is mostly devoid of vegetation and supports many rare and endemic
species of both flora and fauna.
ConservationofNaturalForests As per the forest policy atleast one-fourth of the
forest area in each division will be conserved for regeneration of open forests and
conservation of biodiversity. To achieve this aim, many working plans will be
formulated, or revised for each division. Conservation and commercial exploitation
of germplasm of valuable medicinal plants will be done in a sustainable manner. A
systematic treatment of the forest areas, which are affected by the invasive weeds like
LantanaCamera, will be done to increase the supply of fodder, firewood, timber and
other produce. To check the soil erosion and denudation in catchments, integrated
watershed management approach will be adopted.
ExpandingForestandTreeCover The following strategieswillbe used by the state to
bring maximum geographicalarea of the state under forest and tree cover,such as:
n
Planting more trees along roads, railway lines, canals, streams and rivers and the
unutilised lands which comes under state, institutional or private ownership.
n
The village and community lands will be used to develop the tree crops and fodder
species with the help of local people.
n
The government will provide quality growing stock and other technical inputs to
farmers and develop market linkages for their produce in order to develop farm
forestry and agro-forestry.
n
In order to encourage planting of tree crops on farm lands and to facilitate
marketing of produce from such plantations, the felling and transit rule and other
relevant laws will be rationalised.
Non-TimberForestProduce The farmers will be encouraged to cultivate medicinal
plants and tree species on non-forest lands and private lands. The government
with also facilitate the handling, processing, transportation and marketing of such
plants. For conservation of medicinal plants in natural forests, the State Government
will encourage the local people to form co-operatives at village level for
non-destructive harvesting, processing and marketing of these plants and other
species of commercial value.
Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department
The Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir came into existence in 1883. In
order to bring the functioning of the department on scientific lines, the State
Council issued Forest Regulation No. 1 in the year 1895.Important objectivesof the
Forest Department are asfollows:
n
To protect, conserve and develop the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
n
Expand the forest and tree cover in the state.
n
Conduct and monitor participatory forest management, forestry extension and
forestry research.
n
To develop infrastructure and human resources.
Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Corporation
The Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Corporation is a Statutory Corporation
established under the Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Corporation Act, 1978. The
Government Lumbering Undertaking (GLU), which used to carry out extraction
and sale of timber in the state, was merged into the State Forest Corporation. The
objectives of the corporation are better preservation, supervision and development of
forests and better exploitation of forest produce.