Kashmir’s pencil industry is on the brink of collapse as widespread felling of poplar trees has caused a severe shortage of raw materials. The Lasipora industrial area in Pulwama district supplies wood to major Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils, which produces Nataraj and Apsara pencils. Despite a 2020 court suspension on tree felling, cutting continues while new planting declines. Experts warn this trend threatens both production and the environment in the region.