Srinagar, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir has 21,346.39 square kilometres of forest cover, accounting for 39.07 per cent of its digitised geographical area, while the estimated annual economic potential of its forest resources has been pegged at Rs 10,878.51 lakh (Rs 108.79 crore), the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
The figures were disclosed by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department in a written reply to a question raised by Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen regarding the state of forest resources and the functioning of the J&K Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDC).
According to the reply, J&K has a total geographical area of 54,634.12 sq km, based on digitised boundaries provided by the Survey of India. The forest-cover assessment is based on the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023.
The government data showed that JKFDC fell short of its timber extraction targets during each of the last three financial years, although its performance improved in 2025-26.
In 2023-24, against a target of 28.016 lakh cubic feet (cft), the corporation extracted 21.413 lakh cft and realised Rs 13,329.54 lakh, including GST.
In 2024-25, the target was 30.772 lakh cft, against which 22.483 lakh cft was extracted, generating Rs 10,759.57 lakh in revenue.
During 2025-26, JKFDC had a target of 30.770 lakh cft and achieved 26.643 lakh cft, while revenue stood at Rs 10,702.36 lakh.
The reply also showed that the corporation’s expenditure exceeded its income in each of the three years.
JKFDC reported income/revenue of Rs 13,329.54 lakh against expenditure of Rs 14,500 lakh in 2023-24. In 2024-25, income stood at Rs 10,759.57 lakh against expenditure of Rs 15,450 lakh, while in 2025-26, revenue was Rs 10,702.36 lakh against expenditure of Rs 13,905 lakh.
The government said JKFDC operates on grant-in-aid provided by the government, while all revenue generated through its operations is deposited in full into the Government Treasury through the office of the PCCF and HoFF, J&K.
The corporation had recorded a net profit of Rs 1,402.29 lakh in 2022-23, according to its balance sheet.
However, its accounts for 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 are presently under statutory audit.
The government reply disclosed total liabilities of Rs 46,270.68 lakh (around Rs 462.71 crore) on JKFDC’s balance sheet.
Of this, Rs 6,213.66 lakh pertains to government loan and interest liability inherited from the erstwhile State Forest Corporation. Another Rs 1,234.17 lakh relates to liability pursuant to a Supreme Court order, while Rs 38,822.85 lakh is payable as royalty, also described as a legacy liability of the erstwhile State Forest Corporation.
Responding to the question on steps being taken to make the corporation financially sustainable and improve timber extraction, the government said JKFDC had assessed the factors affecting its operational efficiency and initiated corrective measures.
These include directing field staff to explore potential catchment areas to bring more markings and coupes under operation and ensuring rational utilisation of existing manpower.
The corporation is also coordinating with the Territorial Wing to increase timber marking and extraction.
The government said JKFDC is working to improve timber extraction and transportation mechanisms, including upgrading off-road transportation systems. The use of mechanical cutters will be regulated, while skylines and aerial ropeways will be encouraged wherever feasible.
The Board of Directors will also consider penalties for delays in timber extraction, the government said.
Besides, JKFDC plans to open additional timber sale depots outside Jammu and Srinagar to strengthen its distribution network and make timber available to consumers at comparatively cheaper rates.
