Illegal timber smuggling goes unchecked in Kangan
Illegal timber smuggling goes unchecked in Kangan
Locals demand transfer of employees
PRESS TRUST OF KASHMIR SRINAGAR NOV 23:- The Forest departments have been unable to check the vandalisation of green-gold by timber smugglers in forest areas of Hayan in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
According to the reports in absence of any checking and surveillance, the smugglers have been adopting a simple method to destroy the forest wealth in Hayan forest range.
Residents of various peripheral villages in Ganderbal district have alleged that some vested interests, in connivance with the Forest officials have been looting the green gold without any hindrance.
They said that timber smuggling continues in compartment number 17,18, 19, 23 and 24 and no action is being taken.
“Due to the callous attitude of the forest department, the smugglers are roaming freely in the area and if the loot continues, the day is not far when these forests will disappear,” said a local.
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“The Forests have been left unchecked by the government that has given a free run to smugglers,” he added.
Locals said that department officials have completely failed in taking cognisance of the issue and movement of DFO, rangers and other officials have remained confined to their offices only.
They have sought intervention of forest conservator in this regard and requested him to transfer staff from the area.
They said despite repeated requests to the officials about smuggling nothing is being done and after 4 months, they claim, one smuggler has been arrested.
Meanwhile forest protection force and forests department in Ganderbal on Wednesday claimed to have recovered a illegal timber logs.
An official said that the Joint team of Forest Protection Force and Forests recovered 6 logs measuring around 56 ft timber during night operation at Dardiwooder Yachama area of Ganderbal.
An official said that the illicit timber was seized and safeguarded under departmental custody.
He further added that Investigations have been launched in this regard to trace out the culprits involved in smuggling.
He said one smuggler namely Bilal Ahmad Lone son of Gh Mohiudin lone resident of Mangam has been arrested while two others managed to flee from the spot.
Police has registered a case and started investigation.
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