(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir lost 112 hectares of natural forest, which resulted in the release of 68.8 kilotons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to data from Global Forest Watch. In 2020, the region had 1.15 million hectares of natural forest, accounting for 11% of its land area. However, the area has been experiencing an increase in forest fires, with environmental experts attributing this trend to climate change.
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Between 2001 and 2023, fires caused 23% of the tree cover loss in Jammu and Kashmir. The most significant loss occurred in 2004, when 240 hectares burned, accounting for 27% of the total loss that year. The district of Rajouri experienced the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires, averaging 8 hectares per year.
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The peak fire season in the region typically begins in late March and lasts for 12 weeks. However, recent fires have sparked concerns, with 117 high-confidence fire alerts recorded between February 5, 2024, and February 3, 2025. Additionally, between January 27 and February 3, 2025, there were 73 fire alerts reported, although none of them were classified as high-confidence.
Forestry officials identify climate change as a significant factor contributing to the recent wildfires, which have been worsened by a decline in snowfall and rainfall.
“We expected fewer forest fires after December due to anticipated snowfall and rainfall,” said Syed Ghulam Rasool Geelani, the national secretary and state president of TUCC.“However, to our surprise, there was little to no precipitation, which led to an increase in forest fires. Our department is doing everything possible to address the situation.”
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The lack of precipitation has left forests drier and more vulnerable, endangering both wildlife and rural communities. Geelani pointed to global climate change as a factor, drawing parallels to the devastating wildfires in California.“The developed world has interfered with natural ecosystems, and as a result, such calamities are becoming more frequent,” he said.
While human negligence such as discarded cigarette butts and wood stove usage in forests contributes to fire outbreaks, experts agree that rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells are making forests increasingly flammable.
Forestry officials employ traditional methods to contain wildfires, including digging firebreaks and clearing fallen leaves to reduce ignition risks. However, resources remain a challenge.“The forestry department is trying to use technology, but field officers are not well-equipped, and essential tools are not always available,” Geelani said.
To combat deforestation, the Green India Mission has been engaging local communities in afforestation efforts.“Under the Green India Mission, we involve local panchayats and residents to help us plant trees wherever land is available,” Geelani said, emphasizing the importance of community participation.
He called on civil society to take a proactive role in conservation efforts.“I appeal to students and lawyers-everyone should contribute to this cause. The government provides support, but real change happens when individuals take action,” Geelani said.“The Chipko movement was a major contribution to forest conservation, and we need a similar effort today.”
Wet Spell Today: MeT
Under the influence of fresh Western Disturbance, the Jammu and Kashmir parts are expected to experience fresh snowfall on Tuesday with southern parts of Kashmir expected to receive moderate to heavy snowfall till February 05.
As per the forecast, the Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that generally cloudy weather is expected tomorrow with the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places till February 5th forenoon.
He said that an improvement is expected from February afternoon, adding that the higher reaches of Chenab Valley & Pirpanjal Range in South Kashmir may receive snow depth of 8-10 inches.
Ahmad also said that the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with generally dry from February 06 to 08 while fresh spells of light rain and snow is expected at isolated to scattered places on February 09.
From February 10-11, the weather would remain generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain and snow scattered to fairly widespread places.
Pertinently, the MeT had predicted back-to-back WDs in Jammu and Kashmir till February 05.
It is worth mentioning that Jammu and Kashmir had recorded a deficit rainfall of 87 per cent in the month of January as against the normal rainfall of 88.2 mm, the Union Territory has recorded a precipitation of just 11.5 mm only.
Moreover, the MeT has issued an advisory for tourists, travellers and transporters, asking them to follow administration and traffic advisory.
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