Government strengthening forest conservation; Action underway to reclaim encroached lands

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 17:-Minister for Forests, Ecology & Environment, Javaid Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is implementing multiple UT and Centrally Sponsored Schemes aimed at conservation, preservation and sustainable management of forests, wildlife and ecology across J&K.

Replying to a question raised by Legislator Rajiv Jasrotia, the Minister said that key schemes currently operational include the Capex Budget, Green India Mission (GIM), Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPM), Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), CAMPA and the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). He also gave out the District-wise details of funds released and expenditure incurred during 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 in his reply.

The Minister clarified that all procurement and execution of works are carried out strictly in accordance with General Financial Rules (GFR) and established government procurement guidelines.

He clarified that materials such as barbed wire, poles and plants are not purchased separately and works like fencing, plantation and Soil & Moisture Conservation activities are tendered through composite NITs.

Forest Minister further said that the entire process follows prescribed tendering procedures with due approval of the competent authority, and the Lowest Bidder (L1) provides materials as per approved specifications, ensuring transparency and financial discipline.

Regarding regulation of Khair trees, the Minister stated that felling is governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Forest Land Khair Trees ‘Acacia catechu’ (Management Plan) Rules, 2016, framed in compliance with recommendations of the Central Empowerment Committee and directions of the Supreme Court. He further clarified that under Rule 8(5) of the said Rules (SRO-111 of 2016), farmers are permitted to sell Khair wood outside the UT in accordance with prescribed provisions.

The Minister informed the House that 19,496.73 hectares of forest land in J&K is under encroachment as on 31-12-2025. He emphasized that the Forest Department has launched sustained measures to retrieve encroached land, including detailed surveys and demarcation of forest boundaries, issuance of notices under Section 79(A) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, eviction drives, fencing and restoration of retrieved land with indigenous species, enhanced vigilance by Territorial Wings and Forest Protection Force, and use of modern technology such as remote sensing, GPS and drones.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Minister said that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen forest governance, prevent illegal encroachments and promote ecological sustainability for long-term environmental security in Jammu & Kashmir.