Sagar Firdous

Jammu, Sep 21 (KNS) Jammu and Kashmir has 39.07 per cent of its geographical area under forest cover, even as the state-run Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC) is grappling with legacy liabilities of over Rs 462 crore, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

Replying to a starred question by National Conference MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department provided a detailed breakdown of the region's forest resources, timber extraction, and the financial health of the JKFDC.

Citing the India State Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the government as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) stated that against a total geographical area of 54,634.12 sq.km, the total forest cover in J&K is assessed at 21,346.39 sq.km, constituting 39.07 per cent of the digitized geographical area. The estimated annual economic potential of these resources stands at Rs 10,878.51 lakh.

Providing year-wise data on timber extraction by the JKFDC, the government revealed that while the corporation has been meeting its extraction targets, revenue realization has seen a steady decline over the past three fiscal years.

In 2023-24, against an extraction target of 28.016 lakh cubic feet (cft), the JKFDC achieved 21.413 lakh cft, realizing a revenue of Rs 13,329.54 lakh (including GST). However, in 2024-25, despite a higher target of 30.772 lakh cft and an increased achievement of 22.483 lakh cft, revenue dropped to Rs 10,759.57 lakh. The downward trend continued in 2025-26, with the corporation achieving 26.643 lakh cft against a target of 30.770 lakh cft, realizing only Rs 10,702.36 lakh.

Addressing questions regarding the financial health of the JKFDC, the government admitted that the corporation operates on a Grant-in-Aid model, with all revenues deposited directly into the Government Treasury through the office of the PCCF & HoFF, J&K.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

While the net profit of the corporation was recorded at Rs 1,402.29 lakh as per the balance sheet for 2022-23, the government disclosed a staggering liability burden. As per the balance sheet, the total liabilities stand at Rs 46,270.68 lakh (over Rs 462 crore). This includes a legacy government loan and interest of Rs 6,213.66 lakh from the erstwhile State Forest Corporation, a liability of Rs 1,234.17 lakh pursuant to a Supreme Court order, and a massive royalty payable of Rs 38,822.85 lakh—all inherited from the pre-reorganization State Forest Corporation.

Acknowledging the corporation's inability to achieve its full timber extraction potential and become financially self-sustaining, the government outlined a series of corrective measures to improve operational efficiency and boost revenue.

The JKFDC has instructed its field staff to explore potential catchment areas to bring more markings and coupes under operation, with existing human resources to be utilized rationally. The corporation is also working in close coordination with the Territorial Wing to increase marking volumes.

Furthermore, the government said the JKFDC is focusing on modernizing its timber extraction and transportation mechanisms. Plans include regulating mechanical cutters and encouraging the use of skylines and aerial ropeways where feasible. To penalize delays in extraction, penalties will be considered and implemented by the Board of Directors in letter and spirit.

Additionally, to make timber available to the public at cheaper rates, the corporation plans to strengthen its depot network by opening additional timber sale depots at suitable locations beyond the existing ones in Jammu and Srinagar. (KNS)