J&K ENVIS NEWSLETTER State of Environment & its Related Issues in J&K

Forests of Jammu & Kashmir

July – September 2018

J&K ENVIS Hub Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing

Jammu& Kashmir

Volume 5-Issue 3 ISSN 2455 - 8575

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the

world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures -

depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. Forests are

the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the

terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Yet despite all of these priceless

ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an

alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation

accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to

climate change. Forests, for better or worse, make “big targets”: they have social and

cultural benefits, enhance resilience and ecosystem services, and contribute to green

economy. Planting trees or cutting down forests has major consequences. If we manage

forests well, they will give us goods and services that we cannot live without. If forests

disappear, we will lose any prospect of sustainable development. Forests and trees are

rooted in life and livelihoods. They are a renewable resource that can be grown,

improved, and looked after. It would be hard to find a simpler and more universal way

of changing the world for the better than by planting and managing trees.

There is need to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital

role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security. This

newsletter is an effort to create awareness about the forest resources in the state. I am

hopeful that the compilation will prove very beneficial for the student community.

Sd

Om Prakash Sharma, IFS

Director

DEE&RS, J&K

CONTENTS

• Forests – Global Scenario.

• Forest Cover in India

• Forest Cover in J&K

• Did You Know

• Facts and Figures

• Champion & Seth Classification

of J&K Forests

• Identify

• Event Dairy

• Rules & Regulations

“Ann poshi teli yeli wan poshi”

Food will thrive only

Till the woods survive

Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) NUND RISHI (CA. 1377-1440)

FORESTS – GLOBAL SCENARIO

Forests provide many important goods, such as timber and paper. They also supply essential services—for example,

they filter water, control water runoff, protect soil, regulate climate, cycle and store nutrients, and provide habitat

for countless animal species and space for recreation.

Forests cover 31 percent of the world’s land surface, just over 4 billion hectares. (One hectare = 2.47 acres.) This is

down from the pre-industrial area of 5.9 billion hectares. According to data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture

Organization, deforestation was at its highest rate in the 1990s, when each year the world lost on average 16 million

hectares of forest—roughly the size of the state of Michigan. At the same time, forest area expanded in some places,

either through planting or natural processes, bringing the global net loss of forest to 8.3 million hectares per year. In

the first decade of this century, the rate of deforestation was slightly lower, but still, a disturbingly high 13 million

hectares were destroyed annually. As forest expansion remained stable, the global net forest loss between 2000 and

2010 was 5.2 million hectares per year.

Forests are a vital part of any country’s economy as well as social and cultural life and have been cherished for long

for their value. Apart from economic benefits, forests also perform other ecological functions like regulating the

water cycle, preventing soil erosion, regulating river flow and maintaining wind patterns. Forests are an

indispensable resource for all countries but their type and quality depend on geographical factors. Here is a list of

countries with the largest forest areas.

Country Forest area (km2) % Forest

1 Russia 8,149,300 49.40%

2 Canada 4,916,438 49.24%

3 Brazil 4,776,980 56.10%

4 United States 3,100,950 33.84%

5 China 2,083,210 21.83%

6 Australia 1,250,000 16.00%

7 Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,172,704 50.00%

8 Argentina 945,336 34.00%

9 Indonesia 884,950 46.46%

10 India 802,088 24.68%

FOREST COVER IN INDIA

Forestry in India is a significant rural industry and a major environmental

resource. As of 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations estimates India's forest cover to be about 68 million hectares, or

22% of the country's area and by 2015 FAO Global assessment observers

the forest cover increasing to 70.68 million hectares occupying 23.8% of

the total land area of the country. The 2013 Forest Survey of India states its

forest cover increased to 69.8 million hectares by 2012, per satellite

measurements; this represents an increase of 5,871 square kilometers of

forest cover in 2 years. However, the gains were primarily in northern,

central and southern Indian states, while northeastern states witnessed a net

loss in forest cover over 2010 to 2012.

In 2002, forestry industry contributed 1.7% to India's GDP. India produces

a range of processed forest (wood and non-wood) products ranging from

wood panel products and wood pulp to make bronze, resin, etc. India's paper

industry produces over 3,000 metric tonnes annually from more than 400

mills. The furniture and craft industry is another consumer of wood. India's

wood-based processing industries consumed about 30 million cubic metres

of industrial wood in 2002. India annually consumes an additional 270 million tonnes of fuelwood, 2800 million tonnes of

fodder, and about 102 million cubic meter of forest products - valued at about ₹27,500 crore (US$3.8 billion) a year. India is

one of the world's largest consumer of fuel-wood. India's consumption of fuel-wood is about five times higher than what can

be sustainably removed from forests. However, a large percentage of this fuel-wood is grown as biomass remaining from

agriculture, and is managed outside forests. Fuel-wood meets about 40% of the energy needs of the country. Around 80% of

rural people and 48% of urban people use fuel-wood. India's dependence on fuel-wood and forestry products as a primary

energy source is not only environmentally unsustainable, it is a primary cause of India's near-permanent haze and air pollution.

Forestry in India is more than just about wood and fuel. India has a thriving non-wood forest products industry, which produces

latex, gums, resins, essential oils, flavours, fragrances and aroma chemicals, incense sticks, handicrafts, thatching materials

and medicinal plants. About 60% of non-wood forest products production is consumed locally. About 50% of the total revenue

from the forestry industry in India is in non-wood forest products category. In 2002, non-wood forest products were a source

of significant supplemental income to over 400 million people in India, mostly rural.

The total forest cover in India is 708,273 Sq km, which is 21.54 percent of the total area of the country. Between 2015 and

2017, India has added 6,778 sq km of forest cover and extended 1, 243 sq km more of tree cover by Feb 16, 2018.The forest

cover (in square kilometres) in 2017 in India by state and union territory as published by the Forest Survey of India.

State / UT Geographical Area

Very dense

Moderately dense

Open forest

Total forest area

% of forested area

Andhra Pradesh 162,968 1,957 14,051 12,139 28,147 17.27% Arunachal Pradesh 83,743 20,721 30,955 15,288 66,964 79.96% Assam 78,438 2,797 10,192 15,116 28,105 35.83% Bihar 94,163 332 3,260 3,707 7,299 7.75% Chhattisgarh 135,192 7,064 32,215 16,268 55,547 41.09% Delhi 1,483 7 56 129 192 12.97% Goa 3,702 538 576 1,115 2,229 60.21% Gujarat 196,244 378 5,200 9,179 14,757 7.52% Haryana 44,212 28 452 1,108 1,588 3.59% Himachal Pradesh 55,673 3,110 6,705 5,285 15,100 27.12% Jammu & Kashmir* 222,236* 4,075 8,579 10,587 23,241 10.46% Jharkhand 79,716 2,598 9,686 11,269 23,553 29.55% Karnataka 191,791 4,502 20,444 12,604 37,550 19.58% Kerala 38,852 1,663 9,407 8,251 20,321 52.30% Madhya Pradesh 308,252 6,563 34,571 36,280 77,414 25.11% Maharashtra 307,713 8,736 20,652 21,294 50,682 16.47% Manipur 22,327 908 6,510 9,928 17,346 77.69%

Meghalaya 22,429 453 9,386 7,307 17,146 76.76% Mizoram 21,081 131 5,861 12,194 18,186 86.27% Nagaland 16,579 1,279 4,587 6,623 12,489 75.33% Odisha 155,707 6,967 21,370 23,008 51,345 32.98% Punjab 50,362 8 806 1,023 1,837 3.65% Rajasthan 342,239 78 4,340 12,154 16,572 4.84% Sikkim 7,096 1,081 1,575 688 3,344 47.13% Tamil Nadu 130,060 3,672 10,979 11,630 26,281 20.21% Telangana 112,077 1,596 8,738 10,085 20,419 18.22% Tripura 10,486 656 5,246 1,824 7,726 73.68% Uttar Pradesh 240,928 2,617 4,069 7,993 14,679 6.09% Uttarakhand 53,483 4,969 12,884 6,442 24,295 45.43% West Bengal 88,752 2,994 4,147 9,706 16,847 18.98% Andaman & Nicobar Islands 8,249 5,678 684 380 6,742 81.73% Chandigarh 114 1 14 6 22 18.91% Dadra & Nagar Haveli 491 0 80 127 207 42.16% Daman & Diu 111 1 6 13 20 18.46% Lakshadweep 30 0 17 10 27 90.33% Puducherry 490 0 18 36 54 10.95% Total 3,287,469 98,158 308,318 301,797 708,273 21.54% *Including PoK and CoK

FOREST COVER IN JAMMU & KASHMIR

State of Jammu and Kashmir occupies a pivotal position in Indian ecological and geographical context, due to its strategic

location in the northern most limits, as well as the position of confluence it commands over flow of flora and fauna over time

and space. Characteristic climate and terrain pattern of the state renders it as a unique context, harboring natural resources,

tourism destinations as well as potential regions for scientific explorations. It is located between the parallels of 320 17'N and

360 58'N latitudes and meridians of 730 26'E and 800 30'E longitudes. It is bounded by Punjab & Himachal Pradesh on the

South; Pakistan on the west, China on the East. The geographical area of entire state, extends over 222,236 sq.km. The total

vegetation area of the State is 21,273 sq.km, which occupies 3.14% of the total geographical area.

In the first place more than half of Kashmir province is wooded while little less than half of Jammu province is covered by

forests, secondly, the forests of Jammu and Kashmir are second to none in quality and value. Moreover per capita value of

forest produce in Jammu and Kashmir State is the highest in the country which comes to Rs.25.31 as compared to Rs 3.72 for

Madhya Pradesh and Rs. 2. 48 for Kerala, Rs.1.69 for Maharashtra and Rs.1.17 for Uttar Pradesh. Thus, the difference between

per capita value of forest produce of Uttar Pradesh, the lowest, and Jammu and Kashmir, the highest is so great that it clearly

highlights the role forests play in the economy of the state. In the light of the important role forests play in the state's economy

it becomes important to consider their spatial distribution in the state. It is a well-known fact the geology, soils and above all

climate have a great role to play in the distribution of forest types. Besides these in mountainous areas like Jammu and Kashmir,

height and altitude also play an important role.

Area of the State inside LOC 1,01,388 km2

Forest Area (Demarcated) (19.19 % of Geo. Area; 47.8 % Excluding Ladakh)

20,230 km2

Forest Cover (15.79 % of Geo. Area) As per Forest Survey of India Report 2017 16,012 (increase of 8 sq km as compared to 2015 survey)

Demarcated by 2.83 lakh Boundary Pillars and about 0.90 lac boundary pillars of chaks running on 43,200 km main line. The per capita forest and tree cover in State: 0.16 ha. (Base 2011) Per capita forest & tree cover of the country: 0.07 ha.

J&K Forest Department was established in 1891 under Mr. J.C. Mc Donell, the then CF, with the mandate of:

◼ Establishment of Forest Department. ◼ Constitution of forest Divisions, Ranges, Blocks, Beats, etc in the state. ◼ Scientific management of the forests.

DISTRICT GEOG. AREA 2017 ASSESSMENT %OF G. A SCRUB

VD MD OF Total

Anantnag 3,984 149 617 621 1387 34.81 14 Baramulla 4,588 4,55 321 391 1157 25.22 15 Budgam 1371 108 69 135 312 22.76 17 Doda 11691 589 1663 1567 3819 32.69 7 Jammu 3097 0 315 581 896 28.93 53 Kargil 4037 0 1 45 46 0.33 27 Kathua 2651 111 618 645 1374 51.83 7 Kupwara 2379 468 369 313 1150 48.34 3 Leh 45,110 0 14 78 92 0.20 28 Poonch 1674 187 289 239 715 42.71 4 Pulwama 1398 104 102 292 498 35.62 5 Rajouri 2630 48 437 759 1244 47.30 8 Srinagar 2228 162 217 207 586 26.30 8 Udhampur 4550 357 1087 1292 2736 60.13 42 VD: Very Dense, MD: Moderately Dense, OF: Open Forest

Growing Stock % Contribution to country

Growing Stock in Recorded Forest Area 232.837 m cum 5.52

Growing Stock in TOF 146.082 m cum 9.11

Potential Production of industrial wood from TOF 2.80 m cum 3.76

REGION TOTAL AREA OF THE REGION

(km2)

FOREST AREA

(km2) Percent

Kashmir 15,948 8,128 50.97

Jammu 26,293 12,066 45.89

Ladakh 59,147 36 0.06

TOTAL 1,01,388 20,230 19.9

Excluding Ladakh - - 47.80

Market value of commercial timber from growing stock at current prices: Approximately Rs. 75,000 Cr

Net Present Value of J & K Forests (tangible + intangible): Rs. 1,92,629.2 Crores (at present)

Baramulla Jammu Kishtwar

National Forest Policy, 1988 prescribes 66% geographical area under the forests in a hilly state like J&K. J&K has 19.19% of its geographical area under forests (47.8% excluding Ladakh). As per the J&K Forest Policy 2011, the goal is to maintain adequate forest cover in various regions of the state with due

consideration for cold desert conditions of Ladakh.

CHAMPION & SETH CLASSIFICATION OF THE FOREST TYPES IN J&K

Champion’s work on the survey of forest types of India is of fundamental nature. This work has been revised by

Champion himself and S. K. Seth with minor modifications. The forest types of Jammu and Kashmir discussed here are more

or less localization inserted in the general scheme of classification of Indian forest types by Champion and Seth. But from the

study of various working plans and extensive tours throughout the length and breadth of the forest in Jammu and Kashmir,

certain interesting exception have been noticed by Gurbax Singh. These include certain types mentioned to be present in Jammu

and Kashmir state by Champion and Seth, but which are either absent or exist so insufficiently as not to deserve any mention.

These types are 12/1a2 (Riverain blue pine), 14/1a1 (Hippophae/ Myricaria brakes). 14/1a2 (Deciduous sub-alpine scrub),

14/D1 (Sub-alpine pastures) and 12/C2 (Cypress forest). Again, Champion has mentioned only 12/C2 (C) (Temperate

deciduous forest) type to be present in Jammu and Kashmir state and has omitted 12/C2 (a, b) types whereas all the three sub-

types of his group 12 are present in the state and have been discussed herein.

Thus, the classification given below is sort of filling in the blanks left by Champion in his survey of forest types of

India pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir state. The following forest types as reported by Champion were found in Jammu and

Kashmir. His groups are indicated with every type. Champion's groups which do not fall in or are insignificantly present in

Jammu and Kashmir state as mention earlier have been omitted here.

GROUP 5 TROPICAL DRY DECIDUOUS FORESTS

5B/C2 – Tropical dry deciduous forests: This type requires a mean annual temperature between 24° to 27°C, dropping

rather lower at the northern limits. Summer temperatures are generally high, touching about 43oC and the minimum recorded

temperatures in these forests are between -2.2°C to 6. l° C. The rainfall requirement is set through the monsoons between

July and September with appreciable winter rains particularly in Jammu and Kashmir state. The typical rainfall is between

500 – 1000mm. In the state the type occurs in the sub-tropical region of Jammu, extending right from Basoli to Mendhar, it

also extends to some of the inner valleys of outer Himalayas in the state such as Arnas, Chenani and Barian in the Basantgarh

range of the Billawar forest division. The Important species in this belt consist of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia Sissoo, Lannca

grandis, Aegle marmelos, Ehretia laevis, Albizza lebbek, Acacia modesta, Carrisa spinarum, Dodonaca viscosa, Wood

fordia floribunds, Adhatoda. Besides these species some important climbers in the belt from Basoli to Mendhar are Pueraria

tuberosa and Bauhinia vahlii.

5B/ DS1 – Dry Deciduous Scrubs: The type is fairly well represented both at the top and at the bottom: of the low Shivalik

hills falling in the Jammu and the Bilawar forest divisions. Due to shallowness of the soil and lack of moisture in it only

xerophytic species thrive best. Another factor which is responsible for the degradation of this type in this region is excessive

grazing. Thus with “unrestricted grazing and the big flocks of cattle and sheep owned by both the local people and migratory

Gaddis and Bakarwals who bring their flocks to graze in the forests, an irretrievable damage is done to these forests. The

results are obvious and rather dreadful in the lower hills which suffer large scale sheet and gully erosion. The important

species of this type in this region are Hoplarrhena antidysentrica, Dodoneae viscosa, Carrisa spinarum and Zisyplus.

5/E9 Dry bamboo brakes: For all practical purpose these bamboo forests occur only in the Jasrota range of the Billawar

forest division. The bamboo (Dendro calamus strictus pees) forests are area for area the most valuable forests of the locality.

They occur gregariously on recent comparatively loose textured conglomerate and very rarely on other rock formations.

They occupy a zone of elevation between 1000 to 2300 feet. These are pure bamboo forests in Jasrota and Bangi but 'baneari'

(shrubs) dominate them in Sudhi and Salan. The type also occurs in Challangarh rakh in the Thakrakote range. some

specimens of bamboo are also seen in the Kalidhar and the Dhaleri ranges. A characteristic feature of this type is that broad

leaved species such as Lamnea grandis, Ficus bengalensis form an open upper storey. Bamboo also occurs without an upper

storey at some places. Historical evidences show that bamboo forests in the state was cut ruthlessly in the past resulting in

their destruction. The now existing bamboo forests mentioned above are but the remnants of much vaster such forests that

flourished in the past.

GROUP 9 SUB-TROPICAL PINE FORESTS

The forests of this group stand on the steep dry slopes below 1000 m on the Siwalik rocks consisting mainly of conglomerates

and sandstones. The type occurs under a wide range of climatic conditions. Rainfall of between 900 to over 2500 mm is the

representative of the type. Summer temperatures are very high with winter snows in the upper parts of chir forests. But the

ideal temperatures should be between 23o C and 15oC with 1800 mm as annual rainfall. Such climatic conditions in Jammu

and Kashmir exist in Jammu and parts of the Udhampur, the Billawar, the Reasi, the Rajouri and the Poonch forest divisions.

Champion's group 9 in Jammu and Kashmir state is represented by the Himalayan sub-tropical pine forests with their

following sub-divisions:

9/C1/a Lower or Siwalik Chir Pine Forest: These forests occur mostly on the lower ranges of Siwaliks, some of the

peculiarities of this type are that natural regeneration of chir in this region is difficult. This may be attributed to the rugged

conditions of topography, where water table is quite low and soil remains devoid of moisture for a pretty long time in the

year with little rainfall in the summer months. Chir pine in lower Siwaliks are mainly distributed in the Billawar, the Jammu

and the Rajouri forest divisions, some areas of the Reasi forest division are also occupied by this type. In the Rajouri forest

division, the entire lower tract of the Dhaleri, the Nowehera and the Rajouri ranges are covered by this type. In the Billawar

forest division the representative type occurs on the outer Siwaliks in almost all the ranges, particularly in the Jasrota ranges.

In the Reasi forest division the type occurs on the lower portions of the Reasi range and also in certain areas of the Thakrakot

range. Some important broadleaved species occuring along chir pine in good percentage are Lannea grandis, Acacia catechu.

Dalbergia sissoo etc. Some of the thorny species, like Euphorbia royleana are commonly found.

9/C1/b Upper or Himalayan Chir Pine Forest: This type occurs best in the upper reaches of the Bilawar, the Reasi, the

Udhampur, the Rajouri and the Poonch forest divisions. It is also found in the Ramban forest division. The type also finds

its place comfortably in some of the inner valleys of the Tawi, the Ujh and the rewa which form the catchment areas of rivers

Chenab and Ravi. In the Udhampur forest division the type is represented in the catchment areas of Birun nalla and along

river Tawi, particular along and belong Chenani forests. Similarly, these forests are met with in Hartarian, Bhangar,

Bhatimali, Tirshi, Bali and in blocks across Tawi in Charat, Pakhlai, Ossu and Thanoa etc. The type also appears in Pinger,

Thelay, Kalti, Bhagnur etc. in the Ramnagar range of the Udhampur forest division. In the Ramban forest division the type

exists on the steep ground along Biehhlari nalla and also along the skirt of river Chenab. In the Reasi forest division,

however, this type is met within the upper reaches not the Reasi and the Thakrakot ranges. At lower limits certain species

line Dalbergia sissoo, Olea cuspidata, Pistacia integerrima, are commonly found while in the middle Pyrus pashia. Grewia

Spp etc. are frequently set with and towards the upper limits we find Albizzia spp. Some of the shrubs like Myrsine africana

and Punica granatum are typical of the types present in the area. As compared to the lower or Siwalik chir pine forests these

forests are well developed and more important in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir state. Unlike lower or Siwalik chir pines

natural regeneration is no problem here particularly when the forests are closed for grazing and even otherwise natural

regeneration is good at places.

9/C1/DS1 – Himalayan sub-tropical scrub: This sub-tropical scrub is found in the Siwalik chir pine zone. It forms an open

formation. The overwood which is absent seems to have been destroyed. The vegetation, which consists of Cassisa

apinarum, Dodonaea viscosa and Woodfordia floribunda is found along the national highway around Jajjhar kotli. Near

Katra, Mansar, Kalidhar range and Hatli in Kathua.

9/C1/DS2 – Sub-tropical euphorbia scrub: This Euphorbla royleans scrub is mostly found in areas like Tikri in the

Udhampur range, Hatli in the Kathua range and in the Dhaleri range. This is an edaphic formation in the real sense but

because of overgrazing has spread to areas outside its natural habitat in is precipitous and rocky grounds.

GROUP 10 SUB-TROPICAL DRY EVERGREEN FORESTS

In Jammu region these forests are known as Sub-tropical broad-leaved forests. These are practically shrub forest of evergreen

trees, including thorny species. The type is found over the areas where hot season prevails for long and also remains dry and

where winters are cold with frost. "The annual precipitation rarely exceeds 1000 mm. but is usually over 500 mm, occurring

mostly in July-August but with fair proportion of winter rains". The type thrives best between 500 m and 1500 m on

sedimentary rocks, sandstones, shale, marl and limestone, particularly on the hilly grounds where soil is usually shallow and

dry. In Jammu and Kashmir, the type is divisible into the following sub-types:

10/C1/a Olea cuspidate scrub forest: This species occurs widely in the Poonch, the Rajouri, the Reasi and the Udhampur

forest divisions. It also finds a place oversome areas of the Doda forest Division, some concentrated patches of Olea

cuspidata are reported to be present at Bida near Reasi on way to Salal hydel project and near Ramban and Chenani. Among

other broad-leaved species, olive is conspicuous. Punica granatum is a characteristic scrub.

10/C1/b Acacia modesta scrub forest: Acacia modesta is locally known as Phullai and is commonly found in different

Raks around Jammuu city such as Babu Rakh, Kheri Rakh and Ramnagar Rakh. It also occurs in Balol nalla and its

catchment area and in and around Paiura village. In short, this species, mixed with other species, is found throughout the

length and breadth of the sub-tropical zone of the state.

10/C1/c Dodonea Scrub: This scrub is found in Kishanpur, Jhajjar kotli, Mansar-Kanwal, Jandrah and Kalidhar in the

Jammu soil conservation division. In the Reasi forest division it gets replaced on favourable sites by woodfordia floribunda,

Carrisa spinarum and Khus continue. Similarly, it can be seen below Katra and near about Reasi, Talwara, Pauni and

Bharakh etc. It also appears in the Rajouri forest division and over large areas in its natural habitat in Jammu province. As

a result of overgrazing Dodonaea viscosa, infact covers large areas. It is an indicator of over grazed and degraded forest. It

has a tendency of colonizing certain areas as a special habitat.

GROUP 12 HIMALAYAN MOIST TEMPERATE FORESTS

These forests are known for the extensive development of coniferous forests. "These coniferous forests are very similar to

those of other parts of the north temperate zone in Europe and America. The number of dominant species is small, in fact

more or less pure crops are almost more frequently than mixed ones, the species found being dependent mainly on altitude

and aspect”. The type found between the sub-tropical pine forests and sub-alpine formations throughout the Himalayas

where the rainfall is between 1000 mm and 2500 mm and within the altitudinal range of between 1500 m and 5500 m. This

range of altitude may vary with aspect and configuration of the ground. In Jammu and Kashmir state an annual rainfall of

1150 mm (Bhaderwah) seems to be enough. Rainfall is mostly obtained from the south-west monsoon from, July to October.

During winters, cyclonic disturbances from the Mediterranean Sea are largely responsible for precipitations. These forests

chiefly occur on gneiss and Schists but can comfortably grow on conglomerate and shales. The type extends chiefly on

quartzites, granites and limestones.

Ban Oak forest (Quercus incana): Although these forests are very much restricted as most of them have been cleared for

cultivation, still in many localities they are very well developed and are found in pure form. The important localities in

Jammu and Kashmir where Ban oak forest are found in pure form are upper portions of the Billawar, the Kalontra-Kaitha

Rajri, Siamehri Marta and Basantgarh ranges. Elsewhere these forests are found in open form in this area and occur between

1200 m and 1800 m. and can grow both on northern and southern aspects but more easily on the northern than on the

southern. Quercua incana occurs in dense patches along depressions in Kail forests forming an understory in low level

coniferous forest of the Reasi forest division. Similarly, large belts of Oak forest occur in the Rajouri forest divisions either

pure or mixed with other broad-leaved species Sympolocoa crataegoidea, Pistacia intergerrima etc. In the Udhampur

division, on the other hand, the type mostly occurs in the Dudu valley where Quercus incana is found in appreciable stretches

in either pure or mixed with Machilus spp. Rhododendron arboretum, Pieria ovalifolia etc. In pure form the type also occurs

capping chir forests on the southern side of Badhadhar and Jugdhar. As mentioned earlier Ban oak occupies the largest area

in the Billawar forest division. It appears as a pure crop in Chir belt and a little higher up. It further extends right into the

deodar-kail belt, to be replaced by Mors. In the Doda forest division the type is not developed but is met with in Marmat

and also at places in the Udil and the Tesa ranges. Due to heavy lopping for fodder these forests have been degraded but are

being replaced by deodar forests, particularly in the Choroau forests of the Kishtwar range and the Cheon forests of the

Billawar range.

12/C1/b Koru Oak Forest (Quercus dilatate): In Jammu and Kashmir these forests are not very well developed but still

occur alongwith deodar which constitutes one of the most important and most extensive of the moist temperate forests. The

Koru oak is developed over unexposed sites infact it is mesophytic in character. Quercus dilatata is well developed in the

Marmat and the Thakrai range of the Doda forest division between 2000m to 2500m. It is well represented within its

latitudinal limits in the Billawar forest division. In the Udhampur forest division Quercus dilatata ie generally found in and

around ‘Chaks’ which exist in a dotted fashion throughout the natural habitat of the species. Itr is found stretching over large

areas from Chir zone to the fir zone in the Reasi forest division. Although these forests are not very well developed in the

state, still Koru oak is found in the Loran valley and the Basoli range, Lothra in the Basantgarh range, the Meru and the

Bhalesh ranges, these forests too are heavily lopped for fodder. The other important plants growing in its association are:

Cedrus deodara, Abis pindrow and Pinus wallichiana. Besides these conifers species some broad species are Quercus

incana, Ulmus wallichiana Fraxinus excelsior and Cedrela serrata.

12/C1/c - Moist deodar forests: This is by far the most important forest type found in the state. It occurs extensively all

over the state, on all geological formations having well defined soils and receiving an annual rainfall between 1100 – 1800

mm. It has been observed that deodar forests in the state have a tendency of developing into pure crop. This, however, may

not be taken as a hard and fast rule, as deodar has also been found with other species too. Regeneration in this type is

excellent but is handicapped in Pohu-infested areas such as the Uri and the Buniyar ranges.

In the Poonch and the Rajouri forest divisions of Jammu province deodar is absent except the patches of bole crop in

Sawajian near Poonch and in few places in the Loran valley. There is a strong evidence to show that deodar was fairly

common in the Loran valley but has now been exterminated. Koti Mahal and other historic buildings in Poonch are made of

deodar from the Loran valley. In the Reasi division deodar is found in small quantity. The Doda, the Bhadermah and the

Kishtwar forest divisions of the Chenab Circle are famous for the development of best quality deodar in Jammu province.

In the Basoli and the Basantgarh ranges of the Billawar forest division, deodar occurs between 1500 to 2600 m. Small

patches are also found at Kaled, Kindli Uroda and Chea in the Billawar ranges. Similarly, Deodar is localised in Guitibagh,

Rayul, Najwan, Wanget and Hayen nallas of Sind valley, forming nearly a pure crop of its own. Deodar also occurs in its

natural habitat in J. V., Kashmir, Langet and Kamraj forest divisions of the Kashmir valley.

As mentioned earlier deodar has a great tendency to grow as a pure crop, but this should not be taken as a rule because some

other conifers as well as broad leaved species also grow alongwith it. Coniferous associates of deodar are blue pine, spruce

and fir. Quercus incana, Quercus dilalata and Aesculus indica some of the important broad-leaved associates of deodar.

12/C1/d - Western mixed conifer forest: The type occurs above deodar zone between 2400 to 5000 m, and requires a

rainfall of between 1100 to 1300 mm. It has the capability of growing on all types of rocks. As the name indicates this sub-

type consists of mixed conifer species such as silver fir, spruce, blue pine and deodar, many areas of the Chenab valley are

occupied by this type as well as the Budu and the Basantgarh ranges, where these species are found to a larger extent. The

type is also fairly well represented in the Kashmir valley. Herbs and shrubs in shady places grow luxuriously. Moru Oak

and Kharsoo Oak are the two broad leaved associates of the type in Jammu province. The other important broad-leaved

species like Prunus padus, Acer spp. and Aesculus indica do exist in shady depressions. Some common parasites of blue

pine are making it difficult for this species to regenerate. Consequently, it is declining and in most of the places has been

exterminated.

12/C1/e - Moist temperate deciduous forest: These forests occasionally interrupt fir forests and are mainly associated with

and high-level deodar forests. Moreover, they grow along streams throughout the temperate belt of Jammu and Kashmir

state. The high rainfall is a boon for this type and, therefore, it is also prevalent in the Sind valley, the Bhadarwah forest

division, Sinpore in Udil, Cool in the Reasi division, Desa in the Doda division, the Kuthar range in Kashmir division and

the Boniyar range in the Jhelum valley division. The important common species associated with the type are Aesculus indica,

Juglans regia, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer spp. Prunus padus, Ulmus wallichiana, Populus ciliate, Salix wallicianum and

Celtis australis.

12/C1/f – Low level blue pine forest: The main species of the type happen to be Pinus wallichiana (Blue pine). These

forests occur in association with some other types such as ban oak and moru oak. The type is also represented in the Western

Mixed Conifer forests. It thrives on and colonizes the blank areas and grassy slopes. These blanks or grassy slopes are caused

either by biotic or by natural factor but kail or blue pine thrives on them. They are, however, the result of a strict fire

conservancy Program. As regards its distribution, kail in patches of various dimensions is found nearly everywhere in the

temperate zone of Jammu and Kashmir State.

12/C1/DS1 Oak Scrub: Oak scrubs are represented by Rhododendron arboretum, Pieris oralifoba and Pyrus pashia. It is

believed that due to heavy grazing, coupled with lopping for fodder, trees like ban oak and moru oak gradually disappeared

and gave place to the above-mentioned species which are nothing but degraded oak forests. Examples of such type of

degradation may be seen everywhere in the moist temperate zone. To be more specific Behra gali in the Rajouri, Sudh

Mahadev in the Dudu range of the Udhampur, Siameri in the Billawar, Arnas in the Reasi and Goha-Assar-Baggar in the

Doda forest divisions, are few examples.

12/C1/DS2 Himalayan temperate secondary scrub: It is very difficult to differentiate this type from the preceding one.

However, a prominent difference that can be noted is that it occurs more densely and extensively, usually near villages. The

type is composed of many broad-leaved species. Extensive lopping and grazing, to a large extent, has been responsible for

its degradation

12/C2 Upper West Himalayan temperate forests: This type includes three sub-types in the Jammu and Kashmir state.

These are 12/C2/a, 12/C2/b and 12/C2/c. According to Champion only 12/C2/c type occurs in the state, the other two being

absent. But from observations in the field by Gurbax Singh, it has been noted that all the three sub-types occur here.

12/C2/a Kharsoo Oak (Quercus semecarpifolia): These forests are not extensive and are present on warmer South-western

aspects on prominences subject to direct monsoon blasts, at an elevation of about 2700 m to about 3000 m and usually on

the tope of moist ridges where the elevation of southern ridges is higher than 3000 m and has sheltered the area in eastern

portions. Kharsoo oak, therefore, forms a crop but above the limits of conifer belt. Moreover, it has a tendency to merge

with the alpine zone at certain places. These forests in Jammu province are found at Sarthal Basantgarh, Desa etc., the other

important species associated with this type are, Betula utilitis, Rhododendron barbatum etc.

12/C2/b West Himalayan Oak fir forest: This type, also known as sub-alpine forest, is a degenerated type of fir forests

which develops due to heavy grazing and forest fires. The seeds of deodar and blue pine move down in the fir forest areas

where these species exist mixed with fir. Over grazing is the order of the day in this type, the Gujjars and Bharas are the

mainly responsible for this. The type is represented almost everywhere in the fir zone. The important species of the type are

Quercus semecarpifolia, Abies pindrow. Betula utilis and Rhododendron barbatum.

12/C2/b West Himalayan Oak fir forest: This type occurs approximately between 2500m and 3000m altitude along the

higher ridges of Chambidhar in Balsan and Kotkhai Ranges and covers an area of 1800 ha approximately. Abies pindrow

found singly or in groups and strips with an admixture of Picea smithiana, Quercus semicarpifolia and other broad-leaved

species. In the lower portion, Abies pindrow is mixed with Pinus wallichiana. The broad-leaved associates are Quercus

semicarpifolia, Q. dilatata, Acer species, Coryplus colurna and Aesculus indica etc.

12/C2/c – Temperate deciduous forest: The type has already been explained under 12/Cl/e (Moist temperate deciduous

forest).

12/DS3 – Himalayan temperate pastures: This type includes Behaks and Dhars where trees generally do not grow. This,

therefore, is a more degraded type than the preceding one. Grasses completely cover the ground. The pastures are the result

of continued biotic and human interference. Herbaceous flora finds limited place to grow on the ground which is completely

covered by grasses. Such pastures exist on the higher altitudes in almost every forest division of the state

12/1S1 Alder forest: The most common species of this type is Alnus nitida. It spreads all along the Nallas and depressions

in whole of the temperate zone. The important places of its occurrence are the upper cathment area of Raggi nalla and Assar

Nalla in the Markat range and Batote and Buniyar nalla in the Jhelum valley forest division. Important associates of the type

are Populus ciliate, Ulnus wallichiana. Celtis australis, Sarcocca and Spiraca sarbifolia.

12/1S2 – Riverian blue pine forest: The type occurs so insignificantly as not to deserve any mention.

12/2S1 Low level blue pine forest: These forest from the nature of their origin, are typically more or less even aged with

blue pine pure or strongly predominating. They tend to be dense unless thinned out by fire and to have very little

undergrowth, the ground being covered with a layer of needles through which more or less grass and herbaceous growth

comes up in the summer. In Jammu and Kashmir state blue pine or Kail, as they are commonly called, are result of the forest

conservancy introduced in the state nearly 80 years ago. It is Kail which came upon the bare hill slopes to colonize these

areas. As reported by Champion, the crop is even aged and dense. In the state too. Forest fires are frequent in the type,

consequently large areas of the Chenab valley hare suffered from these fires for the last 20 years. In Jammu and Kashmir

these forests are subject to the ravages of parasites like Arceuthobium. The attack is so severe that even some of the sampling

are affected. So far as their distribution is concerned these forests are found in Kuntwara, Udil and Desa in the Chenab valley

area while in the Kahmir valley these occur in the Lidder and the Lolab valleys and also in the Daksum area.

GROUP 13 HIMALAYAN DRY TEMPERATE

This type is found in “the inner valleys of the Himalayas where southwest summer monsoon is feebly felt and the

precipitation which is usually under 1000 mm, falls mainly as snows in the winter months". Snow fall is a must for the type

to provide moisture during the summer months when there is no rain. The inner Himalayan ranges of Jammu and Kashmir

state have less rainfall than recommended by Champion for the type. For instance, the annual rainfall at Drass is only 559

mm. but at Baramulla it is 990 mm. which somewhat closer to Champion’s list. These forests generally exist in open form

but sometimes under ideal growth conditions they show a closed canopy, this being a local phenomenon.

13/C1 Dry broadleaved coniferous forest: This type of open forests of pine, mixed with oak and certain other xerophytic

species is mainly found in the Podor area in Jammu and Kashmir; strictly speaking this is the only area where this type is

seen but few traces of the type have been reported by Sohan Singh to be also present near Katal forest rest house in the Doda

division. Other important species representative of this type in Jammu and Kashmir are Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara.

Quercus ilex, Celtia australia, Parrotiopsis and Zanthoxylus alatum. These species, except Pinus gerardiana grow in the

lower portions of the forest belt extending from Kandi to Thakrai in the Doda forest division.

13/C2 Dry temperate coniferous forest: The type consists of two sub-types (a) Neoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) and (b) Dry

deodar forest.

13/C2/a - Neoza pine (Pinus gerardiana): Strictly speaking there is hardly any difference either in distribution or in

description between this type and the Dry Broad leaved and coniferous forest type (13/Cl). However, in the type under

discussion Quercus ilex is lees common and Pinus wallichiana is substituted by Pinus gerardiana with of Cedrus deodara

association. In addition to this, bar oak (Quercus incana) is replaced by Moru oak (Quercus dilatata).

13/C2/b - Dry deodar forest: As regards distribution, these forests are found mainly in Poddar. The lower fringes of Thakrai

forest extending upto Chhatru nalla also possesses this type, although neoza pine is absent here. It will be interesting to note

that deodar forests found in the Lolab valley appear closer to this type than they are to moist Temperate deodar Forest

(12/C1/c) type. Some shrubby growth like Daphne oleides and Plectranthus rugosus are typical of this type.

13/C2/DS1 – Pohu Scrub: Pohu (Parrotia jacoueamontiana) develops as a result of unscientific felling of deodar

particularly in the Kashmir valley, Pohu forests, therefore, are nothing more than a degraded form of deodar forests. In the

Kashmir valley the type happens to be a gregarious undergrowth throughout the tract falling under temperate forest types

and lying between 1500 m - 2500 m. at higher altitudes its density starts dwindling and it disappears beyond 3000 m. Within

its altitudinal limit it is found almost everywhere in the Kashmir valley and to some extent in the Chenab valley also. It is

Known for preferring northern slopes, where it comes up profusely, then the southern slopes.

13/C2/DS2 - Dry temperate scrub: Like Pohu scrub this type is extensively distributed in the Kashmir valley. This is a

more degraded form of deodar forests than the ohu scrub. As a matter of fact, it is so degraded that even Pohu is absent,

allowing Plectranthus rugosus associated with berberis and Rosa spp. to occupy the ground completely. This type is found

in the Kathai range in the Kashmir valley in Chatternar and Tral. In Jammu province, the type is represented in the Kishtwar

and the Udil ranges of the Chenab Valley

13/C4 West Himalayan Dry Temperate Deciduous Forest: The type occurs between 3000 m. and 3600 m above sea level.

In Jammu and Kashmir State, Kargil is the home of the type. Here snow is the main factor which provides moisture during

summer months when this is area fails to be influenced by the monsoon, Ephedra, Rhododendron companulatum. Betula

utilis etc. are other associate species of the blue pine.

13/C5 West Himalayan dry Juniper forest: The type does not extend over large areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It is confined

only to the Mansbal range and the Kargal area. The crop is heavily damaged with the result that most of the area is covered

with scrubs like Fraxinus xanthogyloides and Rosa spp. The typical species is Juniperus macropoda. which exists with some

blue pine and the above-mentioned shrubs. In Kargil the blue pine is found scattered here and there.

13/1S1 Hippophae - Myricaria scrubs: This is a riverain type which in Jammu and Kashmir state occurs in Sind valley

and along Rambiara nalla. The river valleys of Ladakh province are also occupied by this type, newly formed sites of gravel

are colonized by Myricaria germanica and Hippophae salicifolia. It seems as if these species have colonized the areas

mentioned above and replaced Anus nitida and other colonizer supposed to have been existing here earlier. The other

important associate species are Epilobium and Thymus serphyllum.

13/lS2 Populus - salix forest: The type is found only in Ladakh. Populus euphratica and local willow occur to form an

association of considerable ecological importance. Not much is known about this type.

GROUP 14 SUB-ALPINE FORESTS

“An irregular forest consisting of very largely of three elements, fir, birch and rhododendron in very varying proportions.

Pure dense crop of silver Fir may occur, particularly in northwest-Himalaya but most usual form is an open forest an open

crop of the fir, with birch between and a dense undergrowth of rhododendrons. The over wood is often absent locally,

especially in hollows leaving more or less pure rhododendron". Annual mean maximum and minimum temperature of 9oC

and 5.4oC respectively for areas with 650 mm. of annual rainfall is quite a representative climate for this type of forests. The

type, however, also thrives in as less a rainfall as 80 mm, in Leh but it seems quite unhappy there.

14/C1/a West Himalayan Sub-alpine high-level fir forest: The important species of the type are Pinus wallichiana, Picea

smithiana, Abis pindrow, Tarus baccata, Rhododendron campanulatum, and Prunus padus at higher altitude this merge

with alpine grass lands.

GROUP 16 MOIST ALPINE SCRUB

15/C1 – Birch-Rhododendron Scrub Forest: The main species of these forests are Betula spp. and Rhododendron

arboretum. Common associates of this forest are Betula utilis, and some shrub species such as Potentilla spp., Fragaria spp.,

Polygonum spp., Ranunculus spp., Anemone spp., Iris spp., etc.

15/C2 – Deciduous Alpine Scrub: Species associate with these forests are Rhodendron anthopogon, Juniperus spp.,

Lonicera spp., Berberis spp., Rosa spp., Ribes spp., Ranunculus spp., Rumex nepalensis, Iris spp., Plantago spp., Anemone

spp., etc

15/E2 - Juniper scrub: Although not mentioned by Champion and Seth to be present in Jammu and Kashmir State, the type

occurs insignificantly in the Khilanmarg area. It is here that we find Juniperus recurva growing in the form of low bushes.

15/C3 Alpine pastures: As the name indicates there is no tree growth and the vegetation consist of herbaceous growth like

Iris, Anemone, Fritillaria, Primula.

GROUP 16 DRY ALPINE SCRUB

16/C1 Dry Alpine Scrub: This type of vegetation is found in Ladakh province where there is very little precipitation and

that too in the form of snow in winters. The important species of the type in Ladakh are Caragana spp., Eurotia ceratoide,

Junieprus communis, Artimesia maritima, Potentilla spp., and Ephedra gerardiana. But under similar climatic conditions

the vegetation along the river banks is quite different from the one mentioned above. The latter consists of Salix spp.,

Myricaria, and Hippophae rhamnoides. As one moves still higher even these species tend to disappear though some

herbaceious species still manage to exist among the stony desert. Some of these herbs provide important medicinal

ingredients. Ladakh’s dry alpine scrubs exist under heavy pressure of grazing. These, therefore, are very scanty and scattered.

This type is particularly rich in rare medicinal plant a of great economic value. The type requires immediate rehabilitation

which can be done by effective closure of the areas for grazing. This will not only help the vegetation rehabilitate itself, but

soil erosion will also be checked.

16/S1 Dwarf Juniper Scrub: Like 16/C1, Ladakh province is the natural home of this type. The important species of this

type existing here of is Juniperus communis, which occurs in compact patches of few meters. Another species that exists on

comparatively larger patches is Juniperus wallichiana. This scrub generally attains a maximum height of 60 cm Table showing %Age Area by Composition

# Category and Species % of Forest Area

A Commercial Area

• Deodar 5 • Kail 10 • Fir 17 • Chir 9 • Broad Leaved 9

B Un-commercial Area 19

C Pasture Lands 23

D Blanks and Scrubs 8

Forests serve as Natural Labs

Table showing Forest Type (Champion Seth Classification) with Area

FOREST TYPE AREA (IN KM2

) PERCENT

5B/C2 Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest 1,383.24 5.74

5/DS1 Dry Deciduous Scrub 366.58 1.52

5/DS3 (Euphorbia Scrub) 1.78 0.01

5/E9 Dry Bamboo Brakes 24.52 0.1

5/1S2 Khair-Sissu Forest 1.61 0.01

9/Cla Lower or Siwalik Chir Pine Forest 2,484.19 10.31

9/C1b Upper or Flimalayan Chir Pine Forest 882.41 3.66

9/DS1 Flimalayan Subtropical Scrub 244.77 1.02

10/C1a Olea cuspidata Scrub Forest 196.06 0.81

12/Cla Ban Oak Forest (Q. incana) 582.21 2.41

12/C1b Moru Oak Forest (Q. dilatata) 27.99 0.12

12/Clc Moist Deodar Forest 2,100.58 8.72

12/C1d Western Mixed Coniferous Forest 3,288.24 13.65

5B/C2 Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest 1,383.24 5.74

5/DS1 Dry Deciduous Scrub 366.58 1.52

5/DS3 (Euphorbia Scrub) 1.78 0.01

5/E9 Dry Bamboo Brakes 24.52 0.1

5/1S2 Khair-Sissu Forest 1.61 0.01

9/C1a Lower or Siwalik Chir Pine Forest 2,484.19 10.31

9/C1b Upper or Himalayan Chir Pine Forest 882.41 3.66

9/DS1 Himalayan Subtropical Scrub 244.77 1.02

10/Cla Olea cuspidata Scrub Forest 196.06 0.81

12/C1aBan Oak Forest (Q. incana) 582.21 2.41

12/C1 b Moru Oak Forest (Q. dilatata) 27.99 0.12

12/Clc Moist Deodar Forest 2,100.58 8.72

12/C1d Western Mixed Coniferous Forest 3,288.24 13.65

12/C1e Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest 38.75 0.16

12/C1f (Low-Level Blue Pine Forest (P. wallichiana) 1,545.33 6.41

12/C1/DS1 Oak Scrub 168.33 0.7

12/C1/DS2 Himalayan Temperate Secondary Scrub 326.7 1.36

12/C2a Kharsu Oak Forest (Q. semicarpifolia) 0.72 0

12/C2b West Himalayan Upper Oak/Fir Forest 2.14 0.01

12/1S1 Alder Forest 3.55 0.01

12/1S2 Riverain Blue Pine Forest 109.18 0.45

12/2S1 Low-Level Blue Pine Forest 83.4 0.35

13(i)/C1 Dry Broad leaved and Coniferous Forest 795.55 3.3

13(i)/C2b Dry Deodar Forest 799.46 3.32

13/DS1 Pohu Scrub 76.32 0.32

13/DS2 Dry Temperate Scrub 133.58 0.55

13/C3 West Himalayan Dry Temperate Deciduous Forest 262.88 1.09

13(i)/C4 West Himalayan High Level Dry Blue Pine 1,344.82 5.58

13/1S2 Populus/Salix Forest 131.47 0.55

14/Cla West Himalayan Alpine Fir Forest 1,570.61 6.52

14/C1b West Himalayan Sub-Alpine Birch/Fir Forest 1,529.95 6.35

14/2S1 Sub-Alpine Blue Pine Forest 519.53 2.16

15/C1 Birch/Rhododendron Scrub Forest 163.66 0.68

15/C2 Deciduous Alpine Scrub 226.84 0.94

15/El Dwarf Rhododendron Scrub 35.82 0.15

15/E2 Juniper Scrub 15.95 0.07

16/C1 Alpine Scrub Forest 1,584.37 6.57

16/E1 Dwarf Juniper Scrub 758.17 3.15

EVENT DAIRY

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 5th June - 2018

THEME: BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION

On 5th of June, 2018, Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Information System Hub (JKENVIS Hub) organized the state level

function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Complex (SKICC), Srinagar. Since, this year’s selected theme was Beat

Plastic Pollution, children from leading schools of the valley namely Amirakadal Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh Higher

Secondary School, Mehjoor Memorial Higher Secondary School, Pulwama and Minto Circle School, Srinagar put their

respective stalls presenting innovative products depicting reuse of plastic waste. Stalls were also laid by Pollution Control

Board, Floriculture Culture Department, SKAUST-K, Wildlife SOS and the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote

Sensing. As a precursor to the main function, the stalls were inspected by Jenab Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Hon’ble Minister of State

for Forest, Ecology & Environment in presence of Mr. Surabh Bhaghat, IAS, Mr. Manoj Pant, IFS, PCCF, Shri Ravi Kesar,

IFS, HoFF, Shri OP Sharma, IFS, Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing and Senior officers of the Forest and

Environment Department.

Contact Us J&K ENVIS HUB Department of Ecology, Environment &

Remote Sensing, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir

(Summer) Bemina, S.D.A. Housing Colony, Srinagar - 190018 Phone: 0194-2494585

(Winter) Paryavaran Complex, Gladeni Narwal, Jammu - 180006 Phone: 0191-2474553

Visit us as at: www.jkenvis.org

Email us as at: jk-env@nic.in, jkenvis@rediffmail.com

ENVIS TEAM Om Prakash Sharma, IFS

Director

Majid Farooq ENVIS Coordinator

Gowhar Meraj Programme Officer

Mrs. Amreena Yousuf Information Officer

Gurmeet Singh IT-Officer

DECLARATION The literature, data and photographs presented in this newsletter is from various secondary sources. We thank all the authors and workers whose work has been used in the compilation of this newsletter. The sole purpose of this newsletter is the dissemination of the knowledge already done by different workers at a common platform to common people who don’t have access to scientific literature.

This newsletter of JKENVIS is published by Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K. Feedback for the newsletter would be appreciated.

Key Messages….

➢ Understanding our forests and keeping them healthy is crucial for our future. Forests will be more important than ever as the world

population climbs to 8.5 billion by 2030. ➢ You’re never too young to start learning about trees. Helping children connect with nature creates future generations conscious of the

benefits of trees and forests and the need to manage them sustainably. ➢ Both modern and traditional knowledge are key to keeping forests healthy. While foresters should know and understand nature well,

they should also learn to use cutting-edge technology to ensure that our forests are monitored and managed sustainably. ➢ Investing in forestry education can change the world for the better. Countries can help ensure there are scientists, policy makers,

foresters and local communities working to halt deforestation and restore degraded landscapes. ➢ Women and men should have equal access to forest education. Gender parity in forest education empowers rural women to sustainably

manage forests.

STATE LAWS

Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act Samvat 1987 (1930 AD), amended in 1997.

J&K Forest (Conservation) Act, 1997.

J&K Nationalization of Forest (Working) Act, 1987.

J&K Kahcharai Act, 2011 (1954 AD)

NATIONAL LAWS

Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

Bio Diversity Conservation Act, 2002.

Orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court in various unit petitions from time to time.

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Convention on International Trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), 1973

Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1994

Paris Agreement 2015 under UNFCCC

REDD-plus