Forest administration in the state of Jammu and Kashmir dates back to the year 1857 AD when an administrative unit called Mahel-i-navara or Forest Exploitation unit was created under the State Revenue Department for maximizing revenue from forests. Proper organization of Forest Department however, began in the year 1883 AD, when rules and regulations with respect to exploitation of forests were passed by the Government in the name of Ain-i-junglat.
Mr JC Mc Donell was appointed as the first Conservator of Forests in 1891 and in the year 1895 the J&K State Council issued Forest Regulation No. 1 to bring the functioning of the department on scientific lines. Training of foresters in the State started with the establishment of Forestry School in Chatternar, Bandipora in the year 1911 AD.
In the year 1913 AD, Forest Regulation No. 2 was issued in which all previously existing forest rules and regulations were consolidated. Rules for Demarcation of Forests were notified in 1914 and in 1924, the Chief Minister of the Maharaja issued directions to have the forest land surveyed and separated from revenue lands. Around the same time, preparation of working plans was also taken up on priority along with demarcation works
The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act (Samvat 1987) came into force in 1930 AD.
