Srinagar, Feb. 3 -- Srinagar- In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir lost 112 hectares of natural forest, which resulted in the release of 68.8 kilotons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to data from Global Forest Watch. In 2020, the region had 1.15 million hectares of natural forest, accounting for 11% of its land area. However, the area has been experiencing an increase in forest fires, with environmental experts attributing this trend to climate change.

Between 2001 and 2023, fires caused 23% of the tree cover loss in Jammu and Kashmir. The most significant loss occurred in 2004, when 240 hectares burned, accounting for 27% of the total loss that year. The district of Rajouri experienced the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires, aver...