Srinagar, Apr 01 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that timber supply across the Union Territory is being effectively managed through an established network of depots, even as concerns over shortage were raised.
Replying to a starred question in the Legislative Assembly by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, the government said the distribution of timber is being handled by the J&K Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDCL) through 211 Concessional Timber Sale Depots (CTSDs) and 08 Sale Depots across J&K.
The government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), further informed that 10.024 lakh cubic feet (cft) of timber stock is available in CTSDs, while 3.727 lakh cft is available in sale depots. It added that JKFDCL has sold 16.876 lakh cft of timber to consumers during the current year.
On the issue of restrictions on felling of trees, including Deodar and Khair on private lands, the government said that felling is regulated under the Jammu and Kashmir Specified Tree Act, 1969, and requires permission from the concerned Divisional Commissioner.
It was informed that in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court, rules governing Khair trees were notified in 2016, and a management plan has been prepared for regulated felling on private lands.
“An 11-year felling cycle has been devised under which felling is carried out during the first 10 years in a phased manner as per a village-wise programme,” the reply stated.
The government further informed that during 2026–27, Khair trees will be re-enumerated across districts, following which an extraction plan will be prepared and submitted to the Supreme Court for further implementation.
"The management plan also includes the identification of villages and assessment of available Khair tree volume on private lands to ensure sustainable utilisation," it said—(KNO)