Tosamaidan's ecological recovery stalled by biotic pressure, encroachment: JKPCC to NGT

1.49 lakh saplings done across 207 hectares of degraded forest land, waste management remains concern

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC) has submitted its findings to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning allegations of extensive deforestation and environmental degradation in Tosamaidan, a scenic meadow in Budgam district.
The report, prepared in response to an order issued by the NGT on July 30, 2024, outlines the ecological challenges that have plagued the region over decades.
The report is on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee pursuant to the National Green Tribunal Order dated 3O-O7-2024 passed in OA No. 913 of 2024 titled "Advocate Ashiq Ahmad Magray Vs. Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir & Ors.
Tosamaidan, a picturesque meadow located at the foot of the Pir Panjal range, has a history of environmental exploitation that dates back to 1964, when the area was leased to the Indian Army for use as an artillery firing range.
This 50-year lease resulted in significant ecological damage, as frequent shelling and troop movements disrupted the vegetation and restricted forest staff from carrying out effective patrolling and conservation activities. The meadow, once known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity, suffered from unchecked deforestation and forest fires during this period.
When the lease expired in 2014, the area was vacated by the Army and subsequently opened to tourists in 2016. While this marked a shift toward eco-tourism and conservation, the damage inflicted over five decades continued to haunt the region, the report reads.
According to the report, illegal logging and timber smuggling emerged as persistent threats, driven by weak enforcement mechanisms and the high demand for wood. Locals have also contributed to the degradation by relying on forest resources for fuel, and practices like grazing and small-scale agriculture have hindered the regeneration of the forest cover.
The J&K PCC report highlights the steps taken to address these challenges. The Tosamaidan Development Authority was established to promote eco-tourism, and the Forest Department launched reforestation projects under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
According to the report, between 2018 and 2024, these efforts included planting 1.49 lakh saplings across 207 hectares of degraded forest land. Additionally, strict measures have been implemented to curb illegal activities, such as booking timber smugglers under the Public Safety Act and establishing control rooms for better forest surveillance.
Despite these initiatives, the report reveals that Tosamaidan’s ecological recovery is far from complete. The meadow’s forests continue to face pressure from biotic interference, including the collection of fuelwood and encroachments for agricultural activities.
It added moreover, infrastructure development linked to tourism has caused localized deforestation. While the influx of tourists remains relatively low, waste management remains a concern, although its current impact on the environment is described as negligible.
The report underscores the need for continued vigilance and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure the long-term conservation of Tosamaidan. Sustainable practices, coupled with enhanced reforestation efforts, are critical to reversing the damage and preserving the meadow’s ecological integrity.
The findings highlight Tosamaidan as a case study in balancing environmental protection with developmental aspirations, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable eco-tourism models in ecologically sensitive areas.