From green shield to concrete sprawl: The mystery of Jammu’s lost Lungs
Ruhani Sahwney
Environmental groups allege decades of encroachment, administrative neglect and policy failures have reduced once-expansive forested landscapes around Jammu Tawi to fragmented remnants.
Jammu Tawi: Once regarded as the natural lungs of Jammu city, the centuries-old Rakhs—traditional wildlife sanctuaries and protected forest tracts spread across the Shivalik foothills—have today become the centre of growing environmental concern, with conservationists alleging that decades of administrative apathy, unchecked urbanisation and weak enforcement have led to their near disappearance.
Environmental activists estimate that the major Rakhs (Forest Sanctuaries) and associated wetlands historically covered nearly 141 square kilometres, including Bahu Rakh (59.5 sq km), Ramnagar Rakh (31.5 sq km), Roulki–Bakshi Nagar Rakh (12 sq km), Ploura Rakh (12 sq km) and the Makwal wetland belt, locally remembered as the Tawi Island and Sounjwan Bela ecosystem, spread over nearly 30 sq km.
Boundaries Demarcated, Records Missing
Historical records indicate that these forested tracts were demarcated through joint exercises conducted by the Forest and Revenue Departments. Boundary pillars were erected, revenue maps prepared and authenticated records maintained for future reference.
However, environmentalists allege that despite elaborate mechanisms for protection, large stretches of these green zones have steadily disappeared under pressure from political interference, urban expansion, land-use change and encroachments.
Parimoo claims that many original forest records are either difficult to trace or remain inaccessible. He has alleged that original maps relating to Bahu Rakh are no longer available in official files, though forest officials reportedly secured authenticated copies from alternative sources years ago.
These claims, however, await independent verification.
Forests Once Too Dense to Cross
Older residents still recount stories of forests so dense that movement through them was difficult.
Retired forest personnel have often described how the density of vegetation was informally assessed by tossing a traditional metal plate, or beating thali, onto the canopy. In particularly thick forests, the plate would reportedly rest atop the vegetation rather than penetrate through it.
These Rakhs, historians say, remained under the direct supervision of the Dogra rulers rather than conventional forestry administration and served as protected hunting reserves, biodiversity zones and climate moderators.
The transition after 1947 altered their administrative status. Later, following the establishment of a separate Wildlife Department in 1982, expectations were raised that Jammu’s Rakhs would come under specialised wildlife management.
Activists argue that the transfer process remained incomplete and that only a limited portion of Ramnagar Rakh, estimated at around 18 sq km, effectively moved under wildlife management.
Rising Temperatures, Shrinking Green Cover
Environmental researchers point to a visible shift in Jammu’s local climate over recent decades.
Once buffered by dense vegetation of the Shivalik foothills, the region is now increasingly experiencing prolonged heat-waves, with temperatures frequently crossing 42 degrees Celsius during summer.
Activists believe the loss of green cover has weakened the city’s natural cooling mechanisms, contributing to the urban heat island effect.
Residents recall that until the 1970s electric fans were considered a luxury in many households, while shaded surroundings and tree-lined settlements offered respite during scorching summers.
Today, many of these landscapes have been replaced by expanding residential colonies, roads and commercial infrastructure sounding with buzzing Air Conditioners and Coolers.
The Environment Awareness Forum (EAF) has now demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir Government publish a comprehensive White Paper detailing the present legal, ecological and physical status of the historic Rakhs surrounding Jammu Tawi.
According to EAF president Bhushan Parimoo, these forests once formed an extensive ecological belt larger than the urban footprint of Jammu itself and acted as a natural climate regulator, biodiversity reservoir and groundwater recharge system.
Parliamentary Panel had raised alarm
Concerns over Jammu’s shrinking forest cover are not new.
During deliberations associated with the 267th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, discussions held in Jammu in 2015 highlighted serious ecological challenges facing the city.
The committee had noted concerns over declining forest cover, shrinking wetlands, encroachments and deteriorating environmental conditions.
Among its recommendations were:
· Intensifying afforestation efforts;
· Establishing large-scale nurseries;
· Strict action against forest encroachments;
· Restoration of the Tawi river ecosystem;
· Integration of green spaces within urban planning;
· Strengthening solid waste management systems;
· Environmental education in schools; and
· Time-bound eviction of encroachments from forest lands.
More than a decade later, environmental groups argue that progress remains limited.
Constitutional Obligations and Public Trust
Conservationists also invoke constitutional provisions relating to environmental protection.
Article 48A directs the State to safeguard forests and wildlife, while Article 51A(g) identifies protection of the natural environment as a fundamental duty of every citizen.
Activists contend that the disappearance of Jammu’s Rakhs raises larger questions regarding ecological governance, land management and institutional accountability.
Several individuals and organisations have, over the years, approached courts, constitutional authorities and successive administrations seeking intervention.
Among those remembered for raising these concerns are retired officials, local residents, environmental campaigners and civil society groups who have consistently documented the degradation of these landscapes.
Demand for a White Paper
The Environment Awareness Forum has now sought a formal White Paper from the Government detailing:
· The original notified area of each Rakh;
· Existing forest boundaries;
· Changes in land use over the decades;
· Status of demarcation records and maps;
· Encroachments identified and removed;
· Administrative responsibility for protection; and
· Future restoration plans.
Environmental experts believe such an exercise would not merely settle longstanding disputes but also provide a scientific basis for ecological restoration in Jammu.
With climate variability intensifying and green spaces shrinking, they argue that preserving whatever remains of Jammu’s historic Rakhs has become an environmental imperative rather than an aesthetic concern.
For many residents, the question remains stark: if these forests once formed the green shield of Jammu, how did they vanish almost unnoticed—and who will account for their loss?
