Aijaz Manzar
Srinagar, Sept 17 (KNS): Locals of Dedikoot area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday appealed authorities to put full stop over unabated loot of green gold in the area. They alleged the concern department of failing to bring the culprits into task.
According to KNS correspondent, hundreds of Deodar trees have been cut down by unknown smugglers in past several months in Compartment No. 74, 75 and 78. As per locals the smuggling activities have been accelerated in the area especially in lockdown days. They alleged Forest Department of failing to contain the elements behind the loot.
Sources told KNS that employees of the department have given free hand to the smugglers who are destroying the green asset of the environment without any fear of law.
Sources said that transit of wooden logs from the said forest range to other locations is impossible without the tacit support of officials of department.
The concerned Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kupwara Mohammad Ayoub in this regard, he strongly refuted the allegations and said that department has also lodged an FIR against cutting down of tree by unknown miscreants. He added the department has seized 30 CFT.
When asked about employees allegedly giving free hand to smugglers, he said I will investigate the matter and if anybody found involved, stern action will be initiated. (KNS)