Background

The Social Forestry Project was launched in Jammu & Kashmir in 1981–82 as a World Bank–aided project, initially for a period of five years. The project was subsequently extended up to 1990–91. Thereafter, its activities continued under State funding, with the primary objective of providing fuelwood in the shortest possible time and supplying poles, small timber, fodder, fruits, and other minor forest produce to meet the basic needs of the rural poor.

 

In 2001, vide Government Order No. 640-GAD of 2001 dated 14-06-2001, it was decided to wind up the organization created under World Bank assistance. The organization remained in the process of winding up until October 2004, operating with a very limited capital component.

 

Subsequently, the Government vide Order No. 481-FST of 2004 dated 28-10-2004, converted the Social Forestry Project into a full-fledged Department, thereby enabling it to undertake plantation activities on forest and non-forest lands on a large scale.

 

Categories of Plantations

The Department undertakes afforestation activities under the following categories:

• Village Wood Lots
• Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests
• Strip Plantations
• Farm Forestry
• Institutional Plantations

Functions and Activities

The Department establishes nurseries for the production of quality planting stock, raises plantations, and distributes plant material to rural and urban populations, farmers, and Government agencies for planting in their premises and agricultural fields.The overarching goal is to green Jammu & Kashmir, improve environmental quality, generate employment opportunities, and reduce pressure on natural forests.

 

Vision/Mission

To promote afforestation through active participation of local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions under various schemes, with the primary objective of enhancing green cover and reducing dependence on natural forests. The Department undertakes afforestation on community lands, fringe areas, riverbanks, Government lands, roadsides, railway tracks, wastelands, abandoned areas, and dumping sites. Scientific plantation practices, climate change mitigation, poverty alleviation, and people’s empowerment form the core vision of the Department.

 

Objectives

• To implement a need-based and time-bound afforestation programme, with special emphasis on fuelwood and fodder development.
• To supply planting material to the public for increasing tree cover outside forests.
• To provide specialized technical expertise in farm forestry and tree plantation.
• To generate livelihood and employment opportunities for local communities through plantation activities.
• To reduce pressure on natural forests for timber, fuelwood, and grazing by promoting TOF.
• To create awareness regarding the importance of trees and plantations.
• To ensure people’s participation, particularly involving Panchayats, women, and youth, in Social Forestry initiatives.

Institutional and Legal Framework

• J&K Social Forestry (Plantation) Rules were notified by the Government vide SO-327 of 2022 viz. to involve PRIs in afforestation and allied works.
• Earlier SROs viz. SRO - 61 of 1992, SRO-17 of 1999 & SRO-143 of 2011 were repealed. 

 

Schemes

• CAPEX
• CAMPA
• Any other afforestation scheme or work entrusted to the Department.