Aatif Qayoom
Kupwara, Jul 18 (KNS): At a time when forest department claimed to have taken strict measures to preserve forests in the valley, the loot of green gold is rampant in Langate Forest division in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

According to KNS Correspondent, the indifferent attitude of forest department has led to depletion of green forest cover which can have serious ecological implications.

The forest cover in Range Rajwar in compartments 12, 14, 15 and 19 has suffered extensive damage, which according to locals was happening despite the awareness of forest department officials.

Despite tall claims by the government of controlling timber smuggling, the failure to put in place a proper mechanism to protect forests is facilitating unbridled felling of trees in Rajwar range of Kupwara district.

Locals of the area complained that a great game is underway between government officials and timber smugglers. “In the day, the slopes are guarded by Forest department personnel, but in the night, the smugglers get a free hand," they said.

“We have many times informed the authorities about vandalisation of forests but our requests were always ignored. The smugglers have created a reign of terror and in fact run their own administration. If this goes on, after few years Forests in Rajwar Range would turn into a desert,” they lamented.

According to reports, the smugglers had developed “innovative” methods of smuggling timber.

After felling the tree, they burn the tree branches making them look old and then chop and slice the trees to the desired size and shape, adding many locals are actively involved in smuggling.

However, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate, Abdul Hameed said he will depute a team to the area who will be asked to submit a report following which an action will be taken.

Conservator Forest’s north circle Irfan Rasool Wani while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) also assured an action against the smugglers. (KNS)