Global warming
The impact of global warming is visible everywhere and the government of Jammu and Kashmir is trying to enhance the forest cover.
In J&K forests the authorities have been created to carbon stock also which is important for the pollution free environment.
Carbon stock refers to the amount of carbon stored in forests in the form of biomass, soil, deadwood, and litter. An increase in green cover and carbon stock indicates a healthy trend to deal with global warming.
A recent Forest Survey of India report revealed that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an increase in the total forest cover in the last three years. The report said that the emission intensity of Carbon in Jammu and Kashmir forests is 98.2 tonnes per hectare.
An allocation of about Rs 200.76 crore has been made for Forest, Ecology and Environment sector under Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the year 2022-23 which is Rs 9.01 crore more than the previous year’s budget allocation.
Jammu and Kashmir has 20,194 sq km of forest area which is 47.80% of its geographical area with 55% forest and tree cover and 43% open forest. Besides, having the maximum number of forest types, J&K also has the highest biodiversity of herbs in the country.
Economically, the forests in Jammu and Kashmir generate 2 million man days of employment and have a monetary value equivalent to Rs 1.93 lakh crore.
