JK Forest Minister Reviews Performance of Kashmir’s Territorial Forest Department

SRINAGAR | January 07, 2026:- Minister for Forest, Environment, and Ecology, Javed Ahmed Rana, chaired a high-level review meeting today to evaluate the operational and developmental performance of the Territorial Forest Department in the Kashmir Division.

During the session, which included senior officials such as Chief Conservator of Forests Irfan Rasool Wani, the Minister conducted a deep dive into essential service delivery, timber supply frameworks, and the progress of afforestation initiatives.

A primary focus was placed on the winter supply chain, with officials reporting that nearly 60,000 quintals of firewood have already been distributed against a target of 80,000 quintals, with the remainder scheduled for delivery by March to ensure public comfort during the harsh winter months.

The meeting also highlighted significant infrastructure and resource milestones, including the achievement of 53% physical progress under the Special Area Sector Capital Investment (SASCI) projects.

The Minister was briefed on the development of Eco Parks and Forest Huts, as well as the successful supply of 2 lakh cubic feet (CFT) of timber to over 2,200 beneficiaries under the Kashmir Notice Timber mechanism.

Furthermore, marking for an additional 10 lakh CFT of timber has been completed across the North and South Circles for extraction.Expressing satisfaction with the current trajectory, Javed Ahmed Rana issued strict directives to expedite all pending works and meet financial and physical targets before the end of the fiscal year.

He emphasized that firewood distribution must remain demand-driven and transparent to serve the citizens effectively.

The Minister concluded by urging officers to remain highly responsive to public needs, ensuring that forest-related services and developmental projects like Eco Parks are executed with high quality and strict adherence to timeline.