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Third fire incident in last 20 days; yet minister says thrust is being laid on preservation of environment

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU: How unfortunate is it, when Minister for Forest and Environment, for Jammu and Kashmir Government, Mian Altaf Ahmed during a function at Srinagar appealed to the people particularly the youth to make the J&K State green and safe heaven for the rich biodiversity of the State and just hours after the appeal about 500 young green deodar and Pine trees were reportedly engulfed by fire in between Comportment No- 3 and 4 of Chiralla Forest Range in Forest Division Bhaderwah at a place known as Rankhi Faat.

Reports said that reacting to the GREEN GOLD IN DANGER news series by this reporter, forest officials have started putting restrictions on cutting of green forest wealth which is not digestible to the forest mafia operating in the state for decades thus they instead of cutting the trees have adopted another modus operands to extract the wood from forests. As per the new strategy of extracting the wood from the green jungle, the land mafia put the green trees on fire due to which green trees fell down without cutting. Once the trees fell down, the remains are used as wood while the area which is turned into desert is encroached upon by the forest land encroachment mafia and is used for agricultural activities illegally. The process continues and more and more trees are set ablaze year after year.

Reports received today late evening said that about 500 young green trees were engulfed by massive fire at Rankhi Faat which was put on by forest mafia. Reports added that the fire was spotted at at-least seven spots in between Comportment No-3 and 4 and that was spreading very fast.

Relevant to mention here that in lat 20 days, this is the third fire incident in the Chiralla Forest Range while the cutting of trees continues. However; the forest officials deputed in the area have started responding but unfortunately not to protect the green trees but to fill their pockets with some money from the anti forest elements which adds more fuel to the forest fire.

The Bhaderwah Forest Division, particularly Chiralla Forest Range lacks Forest Protection Force (FPF) posts and in the absence of these posts the forest mafia is going non-stop.

It has been established that forest officials at the lower level are hand-in-gloves with the forest mafia which is adding deforestation in the Bhaderwah Forest Division and forest land encroachments are on increase.

Government had setup some Village Forest Committees (VFC) but regrettably the members of VFC instead of protecting the green tree from felling are helping in cutting of the same and even some are selling the timber scants and earning at the cost mankind whose survival is dependent on forests.

The Jammu and Kashmir state has been a tragedy, if one goes by the role of successive state governments in protecting green forests since the partition of India.  The slogans are raised every time. Assurances are given almost every day. Seminars, debates and competitions are organized almost every weak but the results are contrary on ground but on papers (newspapers as well as official), the results/outcome/impact etc are shown maximum as the Forest Department has done wonders.

The seminars/debates/competitions are organized mostly in cities at schools/colleges/university where intellectuals/academicians/ and scholars are taught to protect the forests. They are appealed not to cut the green trees but has anyone ever realized where the problem lies? Where the focus of Government in creating awareness about the importance of green forests is restricted to cities only; the people in higher reaches of the state are not aware about the importance of green forests. They even don’t know about the loss of cutting a green tree. The Government has to change its strategy if it really wants to protect the green forest of Jammu and Kashmir state. Instead of cities, the people living in unconnected villages need to be educated about the importance of forests and environment.

If one goes by the man-animal conflict reports, people living in villages and higher reaches have been targeted by the wild animals because they have threatened and disturbed their habitations but instead of educating these people about the cause of man-animal conflict, the Department of Wildlife Protection is celebrating Wildlife Week and the functions are being organized in cities like in Srinagar at SKICC.

Instead of involving the villagers who are more responsible for man-animal conflict, university, school and college students, local people of the city, NGOs, representatives of print and electronic media, officers of the concerned department conservationists, experts, naturalists and representative of police are invited. Will such practices help in overcoming the real problems?

Though the Minister for Forest Mian Altaf Ahmad who was speaking at a function held today at SKICC said that at present thrust is being laid on preservation of environment throughout the world adding that it would prove fruitful when all of us would play a pivotal role to preserve and conserve forests, water bodies and environment, but will anybody act as per the appeal of minister? The government which seems in a deep slumber has to wake-up and start from the beginning. So the desired results are achieved before it slips out of our hands!

An International workshop on Climate Change, Glacial Retreat and Livelihoods is being organized at Srinagar by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the Kashmir University and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from October 12-14, 2009 at SKICC, Srinagar.

The Himalayan region hold the key to the India’s ecological and social security by virtue of its being a centre of biological and cultural diversity, the final destination of its life sustaining monsoons and a storehouse for water and other natural resources. “The glaciers in the Himalayas are receding faster than in any other part of the world and, if the present rate continues, a large number of them may disappear by 2035 because of climate change”, warn some of the Indian and foreign environmentalists and geologists. The main reason for de-galcialation is the global warming. The atmospheric levels of Carbon Dioxide are increasing in the earth’s atmosphere thereby decreasing the escape of infrared radiations leading to rise in temperature. The tourism paradise of India i.e. Jammu and Kashmir will not escape this catastrophe and there is visible impact of climate change in terms of the change in seasons and the water regime of the State. It is in this backdrop that the three days workshop is being held at Srinagar to chalk out action plan to mitigate the deleterious effects of climate change in the State.

Internationally acclaimed environmentalists Dr. R. K. Pachauri of TERI will be the guest of honour and the workshop is likely to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

Large numbers of international and national experts from University, research organization, forest, industry, other departments, NGOs etc. are participating in the deliberations.

 Contact:--ajmeralam2000@gmail.com/Cell09906103001

*With the onset of militancy post-1989, even the symbolic checks disappeared

*Forest Guards and Foresters did not go into the remote areas

*Militancy used as shield by Forest Guards, Foresters

*Irreparable damage has been done and consequences are not hard to see

*Uncontrolled deforestation in upper reaches directly hits centuries-old livelihood

CM’S RESHUFFLE FAILS TO PUT AN IMPACT

TIME TO ACT: Need is to enforce changes at the bottom not at the top because it has been learned that  the corruption prevails maximum at the bottom level and every nexus is run with the involvement of bottom level field officers. The CM has done its part well now the turn is of Forest Department officers to enforce complete reshuffle of the Forest Guards and Foresters so the Green Gold which is very vital for the human existence can be saved.

Though the young Chief Minister (CM) of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has realized the importance of Green Gold and its impact on environment thus took a bold decision a couple of days before to reshuffle the entire top brass of the forest department yet the problems lies at its root. The CM’s bold initiative has completely failed to put any kind of impact on the mafia doing deforestation in the hilly terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports pouring in from Chiralla Forest Range revealed that with the clouds in sky apprehending rains or snow fall, the Forest Mafia got activated again and many young green trees at their tender age were shortened to ground. Though for the last few days the practice was under control as the men of Forest Protection Force was active in the area but with the reshuffle even at the middle level of the protectors of Green Gold seem have  gone in to a deep sleep again and the Forest Mafia has woke up threatening environment and ecological balance.

Reports said that on Sunday evening many Deodar and Pine trees have been cut down in Compartments No’s 1 to 9 at some places Zila–di-Pani, Butt Pora and Malik Pora etc besides a part of the Green Forest has been set ablaze in Panchrove area of the Chiralla Forest Range.

Relevant to mention here that the Chiralla Forest Range has become very sensitive range of Bhaderwah Forest Division as some volunteers have stood up against the deforestation for the last few months and Forest Mafia which include many with criminal background have started challenging the volunteers if they can stop the cutting of Green Gold in the area.

Some volunteers said that when the concerned Forester was informed about the anti nature crime, he instead of acting preferred to switch off his mobile which has become his style since deputed in the area.

How unfortunate is this that some responsible people have realized the importance of green forests and are fighting for saving the green trees from cutting by raising their voice but the concerned department officers on which Government invests crores of rupees every year, plays the role of a mute spectator and turn deaf ears. If the forests protectors continued such practice, than who will save these forests on which mankind is dependent for survival?

Worth mentioning here, the roots are very deep but the measure were either half hearted or just hollow slogans written on papers to extract the maximum on the name of forest and nature protection. With the onset of militancy post-1989, even the symbolic checks disappeared. The Forest Guards and foresters would not go into the remote areas controlled by militants and plundering of forest wealth began, particularly in Doda district, by paying off the militants. Irreparable damage was done and consequences are not hard to see. Uncontrolled deforestation of several decades in the upper reaches directly hits at the centuries-old livelihood of the Gujjars and Bakerwals, now declared as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) by the Central Government. Gujjars are the main suppliers of milk and milk-related products in the State, while the Bakerwals rear sheep and are dependant on products like wool and meat. The estimated cattle population of Jammu and Kashmir was recorded as 31, 75, 000 according to the 1997 census. The State's milk production was 6.66 metric tones and there was no room for increase with the decline in grazing area. The high-valued milk-related products like Cheese, Kaladi (similar to Dutch Cheese) are already in short supply.  Besides the decrease in fodder, the inhabitants in the hilly areas continued losing other means of livelihood. For instance, the expensive Gooshhis, a type of mushroom sold for Rs 8,000 a kg in the open market, and natural herbs found in forests belt were abundant in the Siraj area of Doda district, but are no longer found easily. Once upon a time a resident of higher reaches of Doda district used to collect three kg of Gooshhis but today one is hardly able to collect half kg.  The declining forest belt has also left its mark on the wildlife in the State. For instance leopards and tigers found in the higher reaches are feeling the pinch. For the last few years wild animals have started intruding into populated areas and frequent incidents of Man-Animal conflict are reported in which sometimes human beings are becoming victims of the wild animals while some times wild animals are being killed which is a clear indicator of the impact of the declining forests and interference of man in wild habitations.  Absence of any grassroots movement to save forests may have pushed the issue under the carpet, but the State's rural and subsistence economy demands immediate intervention. Not only does the governance need to improve to stop further plundering of the forest, people's participation is the key to save the greenery of this hilly state.

*We have a doubt and distrust over the nationalist credentials of  CM

*We strongly demand an open/voluntary  Norco Analyses test for CM, cabinet colleague

* This is strange/humiliation that District Police has offered  an employment of SPO equalent to a casual labourer  to the brave heart Gujjar girl and by  giving a cash prize of just Rs.5000.

*It is  another slap on the mouth of Nationalistic approach of our tribe.

Two frontal  organizations of  Gujjars today asked UK born state Chief Minister Omar Abdullaha to voluntarily go for a Norco analysis test to just check himself that he (Omar)  is having an Indian heart or not. In a joint statement the Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars United Front and J&K Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum alleged that not the state Chief Minister  and non from his cabinet colleague even appreciated verbally the act of bravery of  20 year old Tribal  Gujjar girl Rukhsana who, along with her sibling 18 year Aijaz and family  killed top ranked Lashkar –e-Toiba Divisional Commander  and injured the other and saved her family in a remote village Kalasian near  Shahdara Sharief, in border district Rajouri on Sunday night.

State President of Gujjar Front Mohammad Anwar Chowdhary  said here today that we have a doubt and distrust over the nationalist credentials  of  our State Chief Minister and we strongly demand an open and voluntary  Norco Analyses test for Omar and his cabinet colleague as our tribe is keen to see that weather the hearts of  our CM and other Ministers are Indian or otherwise. We the duo organizations are ready to bear  the expenses  required for these tests, Mr Anwar said.Anwar said that this is astonishing that the State Police Chief is also silent our the issue. Even IGP Jammu and Divisional Commission Jammu have not visited the house of tribal nomadic Muslim family who with their brave hearts overpowered one of the top terrorists, snatched his weapon and, without ever having handled a gun, shot him dead, whereupon the other terrorists ran away.

“The State Government is not ready to recognize this unmatched, rare  and extraordinary  courage and bravery of the fearless young Muslim Gujjar girl with  sibling Aijaz and her family” alleged  Anwar added that this act of bravery of Rukhsana against terror could be projected internationally as she  is the Gem of the State but Omar lead government is not keen and is sleeping over this historic incident occurred on 27th of September.

Anwar said this is strange and humiliation for our tribe that the  District Police has offered  an employment of SPO equalent to a casual labourer  to the brave heart Gujjar girl and by  giving a cash prize of just Rs.5000/- to the family is another slap on the mouth of Nationalistic approach of our tribe.

Haji Shamsher Ali Boken State President of Joint Forum today  said the state government has failed  to recognize the role of Gujjars of J&K in crushing the militancy in the state during last two decades.They are just marginalizing  us that’s why we the Gujjars of J&K are demanding for a separate region for Gujjars.

Haji said we are being neglected  in every field of life.Our major sacrifices for Nation since 1947 are overlooked and ignored .Our major institutions like J&K Gujjar Bakerwal State Advisory board are defunct .We are totally been ignored in employment, rehabilitations and developmental process.

We are ready to fight militancy in the region but State government is not supporting us, Haji alleged and said that we are been ignored in District level Police recruitments. No member of our community has been appointed in any of recruiting agency of State including PSC, SSRB and Police Recruitment board who will have to watch our interests.

The JK Gujjar Youth Organization and State Gujjar Bakerwal student Federation also supported the Gujjar Front and Joint Forum in this cause.

Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU, SEP 1: It is now 62 years since partition of India and Jammu and Kashmir State which is luckily still famous across the globe for its natural scenic beauty because of green lash meadows and forests but as the green forests and nature is degrading and disappearing; the state will no longer remain wild and green if the process continues. No doubt the successive state governments have failed to initiate required steps aimed at protecting the forests but the responsible citizens of the state have also contributed much than required to the degrading of green gold in the state. While the entire world has started uniting to fight against the global worming, the state government in Jammu and Kashmir as-usual too has started coming out with statements only of doing wonders to protect the green gold of the state.  If the urgent measures are not taken up fast, soon the Jammu and Kashmir, (which was once described as Paradise on the Earth) will become a desolate piece of land. The forest area in the state is rapidly declining because of extensive deforestation, encroachments, smuggling and forest fires. Since 1947 official records revealed that 12 999 fire incidents have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir State in which 12508.88 kilometers of forest area has burnt. But the actual figures could be much more.  During 1947-48, 929 fire incidents took place in which 19.19 kilometers of forest area was affected. During 1950-52, 42 fire incidents took place in which 80.81 kilometers of forest area was affected while during the year 1966-67, 581 fires incidents took place in which 40.50 kilometers of forest was affected. In between1967-68, 507 fires incidents took place in which 61.95 kilometers of area was affected while in between 1968-69, 433 fire incidents took place in which 42.44 kilometeres of forest area was affected. During the year 1969- 70, 894 fire incidents took place in which 127.54 kilometers of forest area was affected while in between 1970-71, 558 fire incidents took place  in which 63.81 kilometers of forest area was affected.  During the year 19071-72, 296 fire incidents took place in which 10.32 kilometers of forest are was affected while in between 1972-73, 465 fire incidents took place in which 65.21 kilometers of forest area was affected. In between 1973-74, 283 fire incidents took place in which 65.21 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1974-75, 518 fire incidents took place affecting 39.30 kilometers of forest area. During the year 1975-76, 305 fire incidents took place in which 8.70 kilometers of area was affected while in between 1976-77, 213 fire incidents took place affecting 14.16 kilometers of area. In between 1977-78, 100 fire incidents were reported affecting 3.64 kilometers of forest area while during 1978-79, 338 fire incidents took place in which 20.84 kilometers of forest area was affected. In-between 1979-80, 104 fire incidents took place affecting 7.16 kilometers of forest area while during 1980-81, 69 fire incidents took place affecting 25.22 kilometers of forest area. During the year 1981-82, 230 fire incidents took place in which 25.58 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1982-83, 48 fire incidents were reported affecting 211.84 kilometers of forest area. In between 1983-84, 30 fire incidents were reported affecting 3.93 kilometers of forest area while during the year 1984-85, 301 fire incidents took place affecting 21.65 kilometers of forest area. In between the year 1985-86, 218 fire incidents took place affecting 87.1 kilometers area while during 1986-87, 47 fire incidents took place affecting 3.93 kilometers of forest area. In between the year 1987-88, 451 fire incidents took place affecting 14.82 kilometers of area while during 1988-89, 274 fire incidents took place in which 16.51 kilometers of area was affected. In between the year 1989-9-, 230 fire incidents took place affecting 7.1 kilometers of forest area while during the year 1990-91, 190 fire incidents took place in which 3.6 kilometers of area was affected. In between the year 1991-92, 210 fire incidents took place affecting 8.4 kilometers of forest area while during 1992-93, 230 fire incidents took place affecting 9.1 kilometers of forest area while 1993-94, 246 fire incidents took place in which 6.5 kilometers of area was affected. During 1994-95, 220 fire incidents took place affecting 7.2 kilometers of forest area while in between 1995-96, 175 fire incidents took place in which 15.34 kilometers of forest area was affected. During the year 1996-97, 274 fire incidents took place affecting 16.51 kilometers area while in between 1997-98, 69 fire incidents took place affecting 25.22 kilometers area. During the year 198-99, 369 fire incidents took place in which 35.00 kilometers of forest area was affected while 1999-2000, 506 fire incidents took place affecting 14.00 kilometers of forest area. In-between 2000-01, 251 fire incidents took place affecting 7.07 kilometers of area while during 2001-02, 114 fire incidents took place affecting 6.59 kilometers of forest area. During 2002-03, 432 fire incidents took place affecting 31.92 kilometers of forest area while in between 2003-04, 104 fire incidents took place affecting 11.17 kilometers was affected.  In between 2004-05, 64 fire incidents took place affecting 5.02 kilometers of forest area while during 2005-06, 327 fire incidents took place affecting 12.72 kilometers of forest area.  In 243 reported fire incidents, 941.16 hectares of forest land was affected during the year 2006-07.  Relevant to mention here that during 2007-08, 1746.70 hectares of forest land was burnt in 517 fire incidents across the Jammu and Kashmir state. 74 hectares of forest area was burnt in 28 fire incidents occurred in Forest Division Ramban while 25.95 hectares of forest land was burnt in 4 fire incidents in Forest Division Udhampur during 2007-08. In the same year, 12.5 hectares of forest area was burnt in 3 fire incidents in Forest Division Kathua while 68.30 hectares of forest area was burnt in 37 fire incidents in Forest Division Marwah. In Forest Division Batote, 83.80 hectares of forest land was burnt in 60 fire incidents occurred in 2007-08 while in Langate Forest Division, 50.95 hectares of forest land was burnt in 21 fire incidents in 2007-08. In Forest Division Lidder, 94-60 hectares of forest land was burnt in 11 fire incidents in 2007-08 while 42.17 hectares of forest land was burnt in 16 fire incidents in Forest Division Anantnag during 2007-08.  In Forest Division Doda, 13.95 hectares of forest area was burnt in 25 fire incidents occurred during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Reasi, 411.50 hectares of forest land was burnt in 47 fire incidents in the same period.  During the year 2007-08, 9.00 hectares of forest land was burnt in the Forest Division Kehmil Karalpora in 22 fire incidents while 6 hectares forest area was burnt in 7 fire incidents in Forest Division Jammu during 2007-08. In Chittrnar-Bandipora Forest Division, 27 hectares forest land was burnt in 10 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Ramnagar Forest Division, 9.5 hectares forest area was burnt in 11 forest fires during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Mahore, 76.40 hectares of forest area was burnt in 19 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Nowshera Forest Division, 131.40 hectares forest land was burnt in 71 forest incidents during 2007-08 while in Forest Division Rajouri, 70.37 hectares of forest land was burnt in 11 forest fires during 2007-08. During the same period, 134.02 hectares of forest area was burnt in Billawar Forest Division in 13 fires incidents while 125 hectares of forest area was burnt in Sindh Forest Division in 8 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Budgam Forest Division, 6.52 hectares of forest area was burnt in 4 fire incidents while in Baramulla Forest Division, 184.75 hectares of forest area was burnt in 31 fire incidents during 2007-08. In Kamraj Forest Division, 21.02 hectares of forest area was burnt in 21 fire incidents while in Shopian and Poonch Forest Divisions no fire incident was reported during 2007-08. In Bhaderwah Forest Division, 6 hectares of forest land was burnt in 2 fire incidents during 2007-08 while in Kishtwar Forest Division, 65 hectares of forest area was burnt in 35 fire incidents during 2007-08. According to official figures, in total 12,999 fire incidents took place across the state in which 12508.88 kilometers of green forest area was burnt and turned in to red. Though the Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf in the recent past had asked for keeping seasonal fire watchers ready for monitoring the forests in the drier months to check such fire incidences but in view of the spurt in the incidence of forest fires, governments has to take stern action against the mischief mongers involved in these forest fires so that the precious green gold is preserved from destruction.

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER: PART-VI

1351 sq kms of dense forest degraded in between 2001-2003

*As per the law, only dry trees can be cut and we have banned the export of high quality timber outside the State. But the demand of the timber even within the State is increasing every day, making people break the laws.

*Every year, fire in the Government timber depots has become common resulting in huge losses to the State exchequer.

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir State which is known world wide for its natural beauty has already lost more than 13 per cent of its forest area since partition of the country in 1947. The total forest area of Jammu and Kashmir State, is 20230 sq km of which the Kashmir region has 8128 sq kms, Jammu region 12066 sq kms and the Ladakh region has 36 sq kms. According to Forest Report 2003 issued by Forest Survey of India, forest cover was 24214 sq kms which is less than the 2001 assessment. The Forest Department in its report has admitted that 1351 sq kms of dense forest has been degraded either to open forest, scrubs, or non-forest. On the other hand during the year 2007-2008 the total forest land encroached was 15998.64 hectares which is alarming and increasing by years. The people living near forests have continuous tendency of encroaching upon forest lands the total area of encroachment registered ending 3/2008 in Jammu region was 6903.64 hectares and in Kashmir region 9094.78 hacters which amounts to a total of 15998.64 hectors. Studies have revealed that the low productivity of agriculture fields and booming population are the main reasons of encroachments, including diversion of forest land for development activities like roads, hydro electric projects, etc. This is a serious problem with which forest department is confronted with. If sources are to be believed than on an average, Jammu And Kashmir State has lost 74.37 sq.kms of its forest area every year since country divided in 1947. Jammu and Kashmir is a state where 48 per cent of the rural population is directly or indirectly dependent on forests, so the economic consequences could not be long delayed. The forest wealth of the State includes trees like Deodhar, Blue Pine and Silver Fir. A normal Deodhar tree is 120 feet tall and is worth over Rs.1, 00,000 in the market has borne the main brunt of exploitation. Sources revealed that more than 40, 00,000 Deodhar trees have been extracted from the dense forests, directly affecting the livelihood of poor households. Even in pre-1947 era, the abundant forest wealth was one of the main sources of revenue for the State. The state not only met its own needs but was also the main source of raw material of wood for northwestern India before Partition. It was also responsible for the spiraling growth of the industries mainly the sports and furniture established in 1920s. The Chenab flowing through the area was a vital means of transportation of timber from forests. But after 1947, high altitude areas of the segment, once a green zone, fell victim to ruthless deforestation and poor planning. Partition did not decrease the demand for timber; it continued to increase. As per the law, only dry trees can be cut and we have banned the export of high quality timber outside the State. But the demand of the timber even within the State is increasing every day, making people break the laws. The State falls on the unstable geological formation of the rising Himalayas. Deforestation is described as the root cause of various ecological problems, whether landslides or shrinking water bodies. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1A was constructed by cutting the hilly areas without planting trees along the sides, which made it susceptible to frequent landslides. Thus soil erosion started and the areas were no longer suitable for cultivation. The village economy was no longer self-sufficient and some areas close to the highway were even washed away, particularly in the Ramban belt midway on the highway. Checks devised by the authorities failed to prevent the illegal timber extraction in the remote areas. The State Government granted licenses to the forest contractors to fell trees. Trees were felled and later sold in the open markets. Ironically, the forest contractors settled in towns owed their economic prosperity to the timber trade, while the local population in the forest rich belts remained steeped in poverty. The local involvement in the timber trade was restricted to manual labour and shifting timber sleepers after they were cut. In 1979, increasing criticism led the Government to nationalize the sale of timber. Only the State Forest Corporation (SFC) was allowed auction the timber. The forest contractors were allowed only to extract the trees, which were then deposited in the forest depots and sent to the urban centres for public auctioning by the State Forest Corporation. A triangular nexus between the contractors, bureaucracy and local politicians defeated the entire exercise. The forest contractors sold part of the timber in the illegal markets, while the checks failed to crack down on this illicit practice. Every year, fire in the Government timber depots has become common resulting in huge losses to the State exchequer. From time to time it has been alleged that most Forest Depots are set on fire to cover up the shortfall of the timber in the official records.

Division-wise forest area under encroachment as on ending 3/2008

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER: PART-IV
Man-animal conflict a major challenge

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU: Though the tropical forests cover only 7 % of the earth’s land surface, they contain more than half of all living species. Estimates of the number of living species on earth vary from five million to 80 million of which only 1.4 million have been described. Wild species and the genetics variations within them make substantial contributions to the development of agriculture, medicine and industry.

According to an estimate, between 1990 and 2020, species extinction caused primarily by deforestation may eliminate between 5 and 15 per cent of the world’s species, a potential loss of 15,000 to 50,000 species a year. The forest area is considerably decreasing day by day. The satellite imageries study of National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) revealed that forest area in 1972-75 was 55.5 mha only, which reduced to just 46.3 mha in 1980-82, indicating an average rate of depletion of forest area of about 1.3 mha per year. As per India’s National Forest Policy, the present ratio is not up to the mark. The degraded forest land is approximately around 30 mha out of total 67 mha.

In order to overcome this problem, Government of India formulated National Development Wastelands Boards in 1985 and its objective was to launch intensive plantation programmes by involving local people to bring more and more degraded land under plantation cover. In order to check rapid rate of extinction of bio-diversity concerted efforts are being made by various agencies.

They are on the job to protect areas in the form of biospheres, national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves in terrestrial eco-system, mangroves and coral reefs in marine eco-system and wetlands in fresh water ecosystem. Sources further added that a network of 14 bio-spheres, 83 national parks and 447 sanctuaries cover about 18 mha area in the country. The situation is worsening and more and more agencies are being involved for the task in coming days.

The impact of deforestation is visible in urban areas too. Besides the mushrooming of hotels and residential places around some of the lakes, silt washed from the mountains during the rains is described as the main reason for shrinking of the lakes. While water bodies are shrinking, some have just vanished. For instance, the Neelnag Lake in Pulwama District and the Sanasar Lake in Udhampur District have disappeared, despite the State Government's efforts to revive them. The impact on the tourism was immediate. The total area of the Wular Lake came down by 65 sq. km from 279 sq.km., a reduction of 20 per cent. The Dal Lake has shrunk to13 sq.km. from 20 sq.km. in the last 100 years and attempts to revive it have been far from satisfactory. came down to 65

Another outcome of the unchecked deforestation in Jammu and Kashmir state, is man-animal conflict in which several people have been killed so far besides injuring scores.

During the past two years, 75 people were reported to have been killed and 330 others injured in wild animal attacks in Jammu and Kashmir state.

This reporter’s series alert Forest officials

JAMMU: Late Yet Better, finally the Forest Department has starting waking up to the series of reports being published by this reporter under series GREEN GOLD IN DANGER, highlighting illegal deforestation and the threats being faced by the green forests in upper reaches of the erstwhile Doda district.

Reports reaching this office in the late Friday evening said that a team of Forest officials have seized 47 kandels of timber consisting of 40, 18, 14 and 10 feet slippers in Chiralla Forest Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division which is at-lest 35 kilometers from road. The team of forest officials comprising of Forest Beat Guards Mohammed Lateef and Jaswant Singh seized 47 kandels of Deodar. The forest officials also caught one Hoshiari Lal S/o Jia Lal R/o Zila-da-Pani red handed from the spot where 2 fully green trees were shortened to ground by him for timber smuggling.

Forest smugglers have been posing major threat to the green gold in different compartments of Chiralla Forest Range which has been highlighted in details by this reporter in its previous issues under series GREEN GOLD IN DANGER. To check the menace of forest smuggling and preserve green gold from further damage, Chiralla Forest Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division requires the a permanent Forest Protection Force Post immediately.

Talking to this reporter, Forest Beat Guard Jaswant Singh while confirming the seizure admitted that the forests in Chiralla Forest Range have suffered a major damage which is continued in the absence of proper check by the previous officials”.

He added that “Chiralla is very is far-flung area, though I am moving to perform my duties honestly to save my job but as the area is very vast and widespread so the a post of Forest Protection Force (FPF) is required to protect the forest from further damage.

He, however, mentioned that if the Range Office starts functioning from Chiralla Forest Range instead of Bhaderwah town the green gold can be saved from further illegal felling. He added that 47 kandels of Deodar have been seized and case registered. When contacted, Conservator Chinab Valley Circle Doda, M.J Sharma said that he has no knowledge about the seizure. Replying another question about deforestation he disassociates himself from the giving reply, which raises few questions. However, he added, I will collect the details about the seizure and deforestation.

When contacted, Range Officer (Ranger) Forest Range Chiralla, Mohammed Haroon, held militancy the reason responsible for deforestation. He mentioned that due to the militancy Field Staff was unable to visit the area during the past few years and also the people used militants as shield to scare forest staff and go for fearless deforestation.

The officer added that the Chiralla Forest Range needs demarcation and mentioned that he had written to the higher officials and minister requesting for fresh demarcation so the Forest land encroached upon by people can be evacuated.

The officer admitted that in Compartment No-1 of Chiralla Forest Range, deforestation has been done and encroachments are very much in existence but the fresh demarcation is required to be done for proper identification of forest land which at present is not so easy as the last demarcation was done some 30 years ago, he added. So let us see how fast the Govt will react with the fresh demarcation.

Minister of Forest (MoS) Forests, Shabir Ahmed Khan when contacted said that Government is going very strict against the green felling and all those involved in cutting of green gold will be punished. He added that measures are being taken to protect the green gold across the state. He mentioned that different wings are being set-up and activated in all those area which are under the active influence of deforestation and forest smugglers.

When asked about the deforestation and encroachments in the Compartment Nos-2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 of Chiralla Forest Range, Khan said that an inquiry will be set-up into the deforestation and encroachments in Chiralla Forest Range and all possible measures will be taken to protect the green gold.

Relevant to mention here that some months back Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed while addressing the officials of Wildlife, Forest and Forest Protection Force (FPF) had called upon Wildlife Department to take concrete steps to contain increasing man–animal conflicts, but the question rises here that authorities concerned have never tried to identify the root cause which lies in the unchecked deforestation.

The minister had described the problem of man-animal conflict as a major challenge faced by the department adding that there was a greater need to take extra caution for maintaining the perfect balance.

No doubt the minister had expressed concern over the increasing biotic pressure on natural resources in the State and had also warned that the shrinking of the State’s rich biodiversity would have direct affect on the life of the people.

However, Mian Altaf had assured that the State Government will make all out efforts to strengthen the department through additional manpower, equipment, mobility, communication facilities, veterinary care and compensation package for effective control of wildlife crimes and handling of human-wild animal conflict situations but on grounds nothing concrete is visible.

Worthwhile to mention here that the forests and landscapes not only regulate the climate of the region but these are also main attractions for the tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir so it the authorities concerned and the state Government have to think positively into the problem and came out with a practical policy to save green gold and the species which are on the verge on extension. Otherwise the day will not be far-behind when we will read about these species in books only decorated in the libraries.

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU: Deforestation and the extinction of green cover from the land and in several parts of Doda, Billawar, Ramnagar, Basohli, Akhnoor, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Anantnag, Baramullah and Kupwara have posed a major threat to agriculture activity and the dams. The landslides which occur along Jammu-Kishtwar Highway during rains are posing major threat to the Baglihar Hydel Project Dam as the landslides material is accumulating into the river Chenab. According to the experts the main cause of landslides along the highway is mass cutting of trees done to extend the road connectivity to make more and more areas accessible. The trees were cut down during the construction of roads but no plantation was made along the highway so the land continued to slide. During monsoon, huge area of agricultural land and top soil is being eroded by the hilly nullahs, streams and the rivers. Sources said that the production of Salal Dam has been badly affected due to erosion of soil from the mountains and huge silt has been formed in the lake bed. It has added to the worry of the Government because every year, the power generation is declining fast. Several dams in the northern India are facing the similar catastrophe. Especially during winters the power generation goes very low. It appears that no proper attention was given by the planners for the afforestation activity on both sides of the Chinab river belt and adjoining areas and even effective ecological measures were avoided which should also be an important aspect of a successful Hydel project. Several irrigation projects are proving as the major failure due to increasing problem of erosion. Though, the Department of Soil Conservation, Irrigation and Flood Control have been set up for the protection of land but the top officials claim that funds provided to them for the protection works by the Government every year are not sufficient. Huge loss is caused every year to the crops and the land by rivers and nullahs but no affective measures have been taken to save hundreds and thousands kanals of land from being washed away. This process is seriously damaging food productivity, shortening the life of the dams and irrigation projects and harming productive wetlands of the region. Due to illegal deforestation the loss of top soil with great pace is directly affecting the green cover on the land and the agriculture production. The speed of soil loss every year is hundred times more that the soil formation and if the process is allowed to continue the human life on the earth may face major famines and droughts in coming decades. It may also lead to collapse of Hydel power generation. Continuous deforestation in the lower, middle and upper Himalayan ranges and increase in the level of land erosion has posed a major threat to our Hydel projects, agriculture and the normal climate of the region. The problem is not only being faced in this part of the northern region but all over the world today. A study conducted in the recent past has shown that the rate of deforestation is higher than previously estimated. It has been estimated that global tropical deforestation is most likely in the range of 14 to 20 million hectares per year.

GREEN GOLD IN DANGER

Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU: Deforestation and the extinction of green cover from the land and in several parts of Doda, Billawar, Ramnagar, Basohli, Akhnoor, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Anantnag, Baramullah and Kupwara have posed a major threat to agriculture activity and the dams. The landslides which occur along Jammu-Kishtwar Highway during rains are posing major threat to the Baglihar Hydel Project Dam as the landslides material is accumulating into the river Chenab. According to the experts the main cause of landslides along the highway is mass cutting of trees done to extend the road connectivity to make more and more areas accessible. The trees were cut down during the construction of roads but no plantation was made along the highway so the land continued to slide. During monsoon, huge area of agricultural land and top soil is being eroded by the hilly nullahs, streams and the rivers. Sources said that the production of Salal Dam has been badly affected due to erosion of soil from the mountains and huge silt has been formed in the lake bed. It has added to the worry of the Government because every year, the power generation is declining fast. Several dams in the northern India are facing the similar catastrophe. Especially during winters the power generation goes very low. It appears that no proper attention was given by the planners for the afforestation activity on both sides of the Chinab river belt and adjoining areas and even effective ecological measures were avoided which should also be an important aspect of a successful Hydel project. Several irrigation projects are proving as the major failure due to increasing problem of erosion. Though, the Department of Soil Conservation, Irrigation and Flood Control have been set up for the protection of land but the top officials claim that funds provided to them for the protection works by the Government every year are not sufficient. Huge loss is caused every year to the crops and the land by rivers and nullahs but no affective measures have been taken to save hundreds and thousands kanals of land from being washed away. This process is seriously damaging food productivity, shortening the life of the dams and irrigation projects and harming productive wetlands of the region. Due to illegal deforestation the loss of top soil with great pace is directly affecting the green cover on the land and the agriculture production. The speed of soil loss every year is hundred times more that the soil formation and if the process is allowed to continue the human life on the earth may face major famines and droughts in coming decades. It may also lead to collapse of Hydel power generation. Continuous deforestation in the lower, middle and upper Himalayan ranges and increase in the level of land erosion has posed a major threat to our Hydel projects, agriculture and the normal climate of the region. The problem is not only being faced in this part of the northern region but all over the world today. A study conducted in the recent past has shown that the rate of deforestation is higher than previously estimated. It has been estimated that global tropical deforestation is most likely in the range of 14 to 20 million hectares per year.

Heavy loss of precious lives and properties, lack of basic education, health and communication facilities and resections  on nomadic movement in upper reaches of Himalayan region  are causing a devastating impact on tribal life and economy of Gujjars resulting in recurrent declines in tribal migrations in the State of Jammu and Kashmir revealed a latest survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a National Organization working on Gujjars of Indian States.

 Quoting survey, Dr. Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Foundation said that more than 37% Gujjars who are migratory by tradition have relinquished their nomadic lifestyle during last 20 years turmoil in the State adding that there is a great  apprehension that the tribal migration will become a history of the past in next few decades.

The survey revealed that in absence of “Disaster Management Polices for Tribals”  of Northern states of India  the community, suffers a heavy loss of lives and livestock due to landslide, forest fire, snow and hail storm, man-animal conflict every year and due  to these natural calamities the percentage of migratory groups nomadic Gujjars are fastly going down too, he said.

According to survey, the main r reason of declining in Tribal movement is the   killing of  hundreds of nomadic Gujjars on upper reaches , in the turmoil.

Another reason is the restrictions imposed by the Security agencies and militants on tribal migration  in border and strategic areas  are also causing  shadow over the fate of centuries old tradition of seasonal migration, the survey said .

According to the study after closer of Forests in Jammu and Kashmir since 1996 for nomadic communities thousands of Gujjars relinquished the   nomadic life style and turned into migratory labourers.

The Gujjars and Bakarwals nomadic groups are spread throughout the northern part of the Himalayan Range and they are facing a number of hardships in day to day life,due to no availabilities a basic amenities  on upper reaches  , the study said. The lack of education and health facilities , communications also pressing hard the nomadic communities to give up their nomadic life styles and compelled them to opt for new professions, the survey said.

The survey further revealed that Gujjars who lead a lonely and tough life in the high-altitude meadows of the Himalayas and the Pir-Panjal are gradually settling down permanently in plain area.

The survey said the besides Jammu and Kashmir state, the nomadic Gujjars of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pardesh are also facing identical problems.

Since time immemorial the Gujjars, take their sheep high into the mountains, above the tree-line to graze in the lush meadows. It may take them as many as sixty days to reach these meadows. During the summer, they move from one meadow to the other. The Scheduled Tribe Gujjars which constitute around 20% of total population of State are mostly nomads and are practicing primitive cultural traits  and migrating along with their livestock to upper reaches of Himalaya since time immemorial , through seven major tribal migration routes.

The survey suggested that government should formulate a plan to protect their nomadic identity by providing them education, health and communication facilities during their migration at upper reaches. The survey further suggested that government should on priority formulate a disaster management policy for tribal and nomadic communities and the orders restricting the movement of Gujjars must be revoked immediately.