Green gold smuggling goes unabated in Kangan Ganderbal

Ganderbal August 21 (PTK) The green gold smuggling is going unabated in Kangan forest in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, locals of the area alleged nexus between the smugglers and forest department.

Locals said that the green gold smuggling is going on in Najwan forests of Kangan area and the concern department has miserably failed to take action against the mafia.

They said every day the trees are being cut down at the hands of uncontrolled mafia.

Sources said that Compartment number 4 in Najwan, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal, smugglers are seen cutting down trees in broad daylight with forest department watching as mute spectators.

“Taking the advantage of present situation in valley, smugglers are wandering in forests with axes,” a resident said adding that the officials of Forest Department were informed many times but to no avail”.

Officials of the forest division are, “hand-in-glove” with the timber smugglers and are watching this loot as mute spectators.

Locals of the area have demanded that matter must be investigated and actions must be taken against involved officers.

On contacting range officer control room Ganderbal Rafiq Ahmad, he said that i have no information, contact higher ups in this regard.

Despite repeated attempts, concerned DFO wasn’t available for comment.(PTK)