J & K Lost 438 Sq Km To Forest Fires In 8 Months

2025-12-08 03:14:42

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Photo for representational purposes only

Srinagar- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has identified Jammu and Kashmir as one of the major forest fire hotspots in the country, with more than 438 square kilometers of land affected by fires between November 2023 and June 2024.

According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, satellite-based monitoring by the Forest Survey of India has recorded significant fire damage across multiple states, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Dry conditions and rising temperatures continue to heighten wildfire vulnerability in the region. The Ministry stated that forest protection remains the responsibility of State and Union Territory administrations, while the Forest Survey of India provides pre-fire alerts, real-time alerts and large fire updates to support timely response by local authorities.

A nationwide satellite-based remote monitoring and alert system is currently operational for all States and UTs, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, enabling continuous updates for fire mitigation and post-fire assessment.

The Ministry also informed Parliament that financial assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Forest Fire Prevention and Management has ranged between Rs 28 crore and Rs 39 crore annually over the past five years.

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