Nasir Khuehami
Bandipora, Aug 29 (KNS): Forest Protection Force (FPF) on Wednesday seized a vehicle loaded with illegal timber in Markundal village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
The vehicle bearing registration number JKO5B-1912 loaded with illegal timber was seized near in Markundal Village by a team of Forest Protection Force, an official said.
He said that a pickup truck with 36 cft illegal timber was being smuggled out from the village when FPF intercepted them.
Later, FPF party seized the truck but the smugglers managed to escape from the spot, official added.
Pertinently, Bandipora division is witnessing ruthless deforestation as timber mafias are active in cutting prized Deodar and Kail trees in the forests.
Locals told KNS that heavy damage is being caused by the smugglers to the green treasure in forest range. (KNS)