Anantnag, Mar 15 2018
A fresh incident of felling of green trees at valley’s famed tourist spot Pahalgam has yet again negated official claim that he has prioritized the protection and preservation of forests.
Reports said that a group of smugglers a few days managed to chop off green trees in forest area of Pahalgam.
The incident of green felling, they said, has taken place in compartment number 27 of Lidder forest division in Batakoot area of Pahalgam.
According to sources, the smugglers are enjoying the patronage of local staff which allegedly allows them to use portable bandsawing machines. They said that smugglers then sell off the timber to Pahalgam hoteliers as court has banned construction activity in the area of falling under the jurisdiction of Pahalgam Development Authority.
“Green felling is going on in the area and smugglers are enjoying the patronage of employees. Department can easily establish the role of employees in timber smuggling if they will initiate a probe,” said a local resident, privacy to the illegal trade.
Range Officer Pahalgam, Mohd Iqbal to have received a report of green felling. “Soon after receiving the information I along with my staff visited the area and found smugglers have chopped off two trees,” he said.
The officer said that during further investigation they raided residential house where from the recover around 7 sqft of timber.
“I have recommended the suspension of two employees who were responsible for the area where the incident has taken place,” Range Officer Pahalgam said.
Divisional Forest Officer Lidder Forest Division, Mohd Ashraf Kutto, too admitted to have received the reports about the green felling and said that he will recover the amount from employees.
“Only one tree has been chopped off,” he added.
However such incidents negate forest department’s protection and preservation claims.
