Srinagar, Nov 26 (KNS): Taking undue advantage of ongoing unrest in Kashmir, timber smugglers have been working overtime to loot as much of green gold as they could.
Sources said that Jungle Smugglers have been looting the green gold in broad day light in Pir Panchal forest division.
The authorities have foiled several attempts of smugglers from past two months and confiscated fifteen houses, one vehicle and 183 feet timber from them.
“Past night, two horses were confiscated who were used to carry timber from the forest,” said sources.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Concerned Divisional Forest Officer, Waseem Ahmad told KNS that forests are an open and not a locked treasure.
“So one can expect illegal felling anywhere and at any time, but in the current unrest even the official monitoring mechanism has fallen apart which has only contributed to the increased illegal activity,” he added.
He said that authorities have expedited the process and are now keeping vigil eye. “The law breakers will not go unpunished,” he said. (KNS)