By Sajad Lone
Srinagar, Jan 15 : In a major push against forest crime, authorities across Kashmir booked 324 timber smugglers and registered 149 FIRs during 2025, marking a significant intensification of enforcement.
An assessment report on forest protection and enforcement up to December 2025 reveals that more than 9,600 cubic feet (Cft) of illicit timber was seized across 14 forest divisions. Bandipora recorded the highest seizures at 1,498.96 Cft, followed by Langate with 1,495.46 Cft and Kamraj with 1,240.11 Cft.
On the legal front, Langate and JV divisions topped the list with 24 FIRs each, while Kamraj registered 19 cases and Pir Panjal 16. In South Kashmir, Shopian booked 35 accused in 14 cases, reflecting sustained action against forest offenders in the region.
A total of 324 culprits were booked during the year. The Pir Panjal range accounted for the highest number with 67 accused, followed by Kamraj range where 52 individuals were booked in 2025.
The data also points to the growing challenge of forest fires. During the year, 310 fire incidents were reported, affecting 880.77 hectares of forest land. Sindh division recorded the highest number of incidents at 67, while Kulgam suffered the maximum damage in terms of area, with over 307 hectares affected. Lidder and Sindh divisions together accounted for more than 220 hectares impacted by fires.
Authorities also seized 24 vehicles and four horses used in forest offences, underlining the organised nature of illegal activity in certain pockets.
Officials said the figures reflect both the scale of the problem and the department’s heightened vigilance. “The rise in seizures and FIRs shows that field staff are actively enforcing forest laws. However, the high number of fire incidents remains a serious concern and calls for community participation and preventive measures,” a senior forest officer said.
The report underscores the need for sustained enforcement, improved fire management infrastructure, and public cooperation to safeguard Kashmir’s fragile forest ecosystem.
The combined efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, the Forest Protection Force, and J&K Police have resulted in an almost 50 percent decline in timber smuggling over the past four years.
According to official data, 2021 recorded seizures of over 18,000 cubic feet of timber, while 2022 saw more than 14,000 cubic feet seized across the Valley.
In 2023–24, the forest department seized 10,290 Cft of illicit timber and 37 vehicles across all Kashmir forest divisions. (KNS)
