Shopian, July 28 (KNS): Director of Sericulture J&K, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), on Sunday conducted an on-spot inspection in Sedew village, Shopian, where 12 fully grown mulberry trees were found to have been illegally cut down. He was accompanied by senior officers of the department.

Expressing deep concern, Bhat said the illegal felling of mulberry trees is a serious loss to government assets and directly threatens the livelihood of silkworm rearers, as mulberry leaves are the only feed for silkworms. “Such acts badly affect cocoon production and the income of farmers who rely on sericulture,” he said.

He further added that the incident not only harms farmers’ income but also damages the environment. “The mulberry tree is essential to the sericulture ecosystem, and its destruction is a loss to both the community and nature,” he said.

Taking swift action, Bhat ordered the suspension and attachment of two officials responsible for supervision in the area — the In-charge and the Beat Watcher.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe also instructed the District Sericulture Officer to launch a plantation drive in the affected area to replace the lost trees.

The department has taken up the matter with police authorities for registration of a case and legal action against those involved.

Bhat stressed that each mulberry tree takes years of care and government investment to mature. “Cutting such trees is like snatching the livelihood of poor silkworm farmers. We will not tolerate such acts,” he said.

He urged the public to help protect the "Mulberry Wealth" of Jammu and Kashmir and report any such incidents to the department at 0194-2313247 for immediate action.

Bhat reaffirmed his commitment to protecting mulberry plantations across the UT for both current and future generations and for preserving ecological balance. (KNS)