KATHUA, JANUARY 20: The Forest Department Kathua Division has taken note of certain misleading and unsubstantiated claims being circulated on social media and other platforms regarding alleged illegal and unauthorized felling of Khair trees within its jurisdiction.
The department has clarified that the felling of Khair trees being carried out in villages Chilik and Seswan of Jasrota Range, Kathua Forest Division, pertains strictly to private land and is being undertaken lawfully with due authorization.
As per an official handout, “The permissions for felling have been accorded in strict conformity with the provisions of SRO 111 of 2016, the approved Khair Management Plan and in pursuance of the judgment of the Supreme Court of India dated 26.09.2013 in IA No 2, 9, 11 of 1996, 16, 17, 19 of 1998, 3-34 / 2005, 37/2009 and suo-moto contempt petition Nos. 290-292 of 1998, whereby the ban on felling of Khair trees growing on private lands in Jammu and Kashmir was lifted based on the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The present felling of trees is being carried out as per the Revised Khair Management Plan issued by the PCCF (HoFF), J&K, vide letter No. PCCF/Cord/Khair Management Plan/2016/190-260 dated 25.01.2025, under the prescribed 10-year Felling-Cycle for the year 2025–26.
It is further clarified that the felling operations are being executed strictly in accordance with the conditions laid down in the sanctioned permissions. The entire process is being closely monitored by joint teams of the Forest, Revenue and Police Departments of District Kathua to ensure transparency, accountability and full compliance with all statutory provisions.
The general public is advised not to be misled by unverified and unauthorized information circulating on social media. Citizens are urged to rely only on authentic information issued by the competent authorities. Any grievance or specific issue may be brought to the notice of the Forest Department for appropriate action as warranted under law.”