Sajid Raina
Bandipora, May 14 (KNO): Taking undue advantage of the lockdown, Timber smugglers were found felling trees in several forest ranges in north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday, witnesses said.
They told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that Bandipora is witnessing ruthless deforestation as timber mafias are active in cutting prized Deodar and Kail trees in the forests. They said that timber smuggling is going unabated in many Forests including Cheerhal, Chandeji, Aloosa, and Malikhama with concerned authorities turning blind eye towards in this regard.
Locals alleged that some vested interests, in connivance with the Forest officials have been looting the green gold without any hindrance. "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. "The Forests have been left unchecked by the government that has given a free run smugglers.”
Pertinently, on April 30, Bandipora Police seized a vehicle loaded with illegal timber in Aloosa while the smugglers had fled from the spot. However, a case was also registered in the police post Paribal. On the same day, police also seized illegal timber from Kuloosa village.
An official said they have also reports of timber smuggling in the forest areas. “Whosoever will be found involved in smuggling, strict action will be taken against him,” he said. Ever since we received such inputs, our employees are patrolling the day to find these smugglers—(KNO)
0 Comments