JAMMU (Kashmir English): The government in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has disclosed that 1,024 forest fires were reported across the territory last year, while 127 incidents have occurred during the past three months of the ongoing year with the locals saying Indian Army is involved in majority cases.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the figures were revealed in response to a calling attention notice by Member of the IIOJK Assembly MY Tarigami, to the Minister for Ecology and Environment, amid mounting concerns over the growing frequency of forest fires and their environmental impact.
Loss of forest cover in Kashmir
According to the government, 1,276 forest fire incidents were recorded in 2024–2025, leading to the loss of approximately 3,551 hectares of forest cover.
“So far this year, 127 fires have damaged around 174 hectares of forest land”. “Between February and March alone, 91 forest fire incidents were reported, affecting over 136 hectares of forest area,” the government said.
Citing the Forest Survey of India’s 2023 report, the government said that of the total forest area in IIOJK, 270.11 sq. km is classified as very highly fire-prone.
Sharing details, locals disclosed to Kashmir Media Service that Indian Army is involved in majority of the fire incidents across occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
