Rampant Illegal Logging Threatens Ganderbal’s Forests: Locals Allege Inaction

The serene forests of Ganderbal in Central Kashmir are under siege as illegal logging continues unabated, raising concerns among locals and environmentalists alike. In various ranges of Ganderbal district, particularly in Compartment 35 of Bamiluna and Panzin Village, the wanton cutting of small forest trees persists, leaving significant environmental damage in its wake.

Despite government efforts to curb such activities, smugglers operate under the cover of darkness, with some alleging collusion between a forest mafia and certain personnel within the forest department. This collusion, locals claim, allows the plunder of the region’s “green gold” to persist unchecked, with those in positions of power turning a blind eye.

A recent visit by the Press Trust of Kashmir to the affected areas revealed concealed stumps of freshly cut young trees, further corroborating the locals’ claims. Social media has also been abuzz with images and videos depicting the mass deforestation taking place in Ganderbal, prompting environmentalists to sound the alarm.

Compounding the issue is the lack of sufficient manpower within the forest department, with over 200 casual laborers currently on strike due to unpaid wages spanning five months. This shortage of personnel hampers efforts to effectively monitor and protect the forests, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by smugglers.

This isn’t the first instance of such rampant illegal logging in Ganderbal. Just recently, reports surfaced of over 100 mighty pine trees being felled near Andarwan Akhal Kangan, further highlighting the dire situation facing the region’s forests.

As the plunder of Ganderbal’s forests continues unchecked, urgent action is needed to stem the tide of illegal logging and protect the invaluable natural resources that form the heart of the region’s biodiversity.