The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a staggering 307 major forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir between 2024 and early 2025, causing significant damage to its green cover. With forests covering 11% of the region’s total land area, Jammu and Kashmir had approximately 10.15 lakh hectares of forested land in 2020. However, rampant wildfires have led to the destruction of 112 hectares by 2023, emitting an alarming 68.8 kilotons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Alarming Statistics of Forest Fires in Jammu and Kashmir
According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), which monitors wildfires across the country, Jammu and Kashmir reported 284 large-scale fires in 2024 alone. In the first two months of 2025, 23 additional major fires were recorded. Shockingly, some of these fires remained active for nearly a year, spanning from 2024 to 2025, reported by Daily Excelsior.
Among the 307 major wildfires documented, the Jammu region bore the brunt, accounting for over 93% of incidents, with 286 reported cases.
Read also: Environmental Threat in J&K: Land Sinking & Glacial Lakes Expanding
Month-Wise Breakdown of Major Forest Fires
The distribution of wildfire incidents across different months in 2024 and early 2025 highlights a seasonal pattern:
- June 2024: 130 incidents (highest)
- May 2024: 79 incidents
- January 2024: 39 incidents
- December 2024: 22 incidents
- February 2025: 17 incidents
- November 2024: 8 incidents
- February 2024: 6 incidents
- March 2024: 2 incidents
Notably, no major forest fires were reported in April, July, August, September, and October 2024.
District-Wise Impact of Forest Fires
The wildfire crisis has affected multiple districts across Jammu and Kashmir, with some regions witnessing significantly higher occurrences than others.
Most Affected Districts in Jammu Region
- Rajouri: 51 incidents (highest)
- Jammu: 41 incidents
- Udhampur: 40 incidents
- Reasi: 35 incidents
- Kathua: 33 incidents
- Kishtwar: 18 incidents
- Doda: 14 incidents
- Ramban: 12 incidents
- Samba & Poonch: 11 incidents each
Forest Fires in Kashmir Region
- Baramulla: 7 incidents
- Anantnag: 3 incidents
- Pulwama, Ganderbal, Bandipora & Kupwara: 2 incidents each
- No incidents were reported in Srinagar, Sopore, Shopian, or Kulgam.
Forest Fires in 2025 So Far
In the initial months of 2025, January recorded 17 major forest fires, while February saw 6.
District-Wise Breakdown (2025 Fires)
- Reasi: 6 incidents (highest)
- Ramban: 4 incidents
- Pulwama & Kishtwar: 3 incidents each
- Udhampur, Doda & Rajouri: 2 incidents each
- Poonch: 1 incident
Other districts have not reported significant fire incidents in 2025 so far.
Environmental Impact and Future Concerns
The surge in wildfires across Jammu and Kashmir has severe environmental consequences, including loss of biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, and depletion of natural resources. Rising temperatures, human-induced activities, and dry climatic conditions are major contributors to these catastrophic fires.
Read also: Unseasonal Warmth Triggers Early Bloom in Kashmir: A Sign of Climate Change?
Preventive Measures and Government Response
Authorities must take proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risks. Strategies such as afforestation, stricter regulation of human activities near forest areas, and improved fire surveillance mechanisms are crucial in controlling these disasters. Awareness campaigns and community participation can also play a key role in forest conservation efforts.
The rising frequency of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir demands immediate attention from environmental agencies, government authorities, and local communities. Implementing sustainable forest management practices and investing in advanced firefighting techniques will be essential in preserving the region’s green cover and ecological balance.
