Handwara, 26 April (KNS) :Taking advantage of the COVID-19 Pandemic, smuggling of green gold is going unabated in Rajwar forests of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Reports reaching  to Kashmir News Service  said axing of trees has been reported from compartment number 38 and 40(Doggerpora Rajwar).

“By taking advantage of the prevailing situations in the valley since COVID-19 , the smugglers have caused extensive damage to the nearby forests in the area.

Locals living near these compartments alleged a nexus between the smugglers and forest department officials has led to the felling of  trees in the area.

Reports also said that Conservator forest north circle has also constituted a team of officials  who were asked to sumbit the  report and they have submitted a report of huge damage in these compartments .

when Kashmir News Service contacted Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate Abdul Hameed,  he said that they have also filed an FIR in this regard.

"those who will be found guilty will be dealt strictly even if they are  the employee of the department,"  he said.KNS)