Nasir Khuehami
Bandipora, Jul 20 (KNS): Amid tall claims about prevention of forest loot, the smugglers allegedly enjoying the patronage of the forest officials in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are busy in looting the green gold with authorities acting as mute spectator in this regard.
Local sources told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that Bandipora is witnessing ruthless deforestation as timber mafias are active in cutting prized Deodar and Kail trees in the forests.
They said that timber smuggling is going unabated at Aloosa, Ashtingoo, Watapora, Binilpora and Bazipora areas with concerned authorities turning blind eye towards in this regard.
Sources added that heavy damage is caused by the smugglers to the green treasure in forest range Khuehama including compartment number 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. They alleged that a nexus between forest officials and timber smugglers is the source of erasing green wealth.
They alleged that department has all the information but they so far failed to take action against the culprits and giving them free hand to earn illegal money.
Locals told KNS that in compartment 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Aloosa and Ashtingoo area of Khuehama range, employees of the forest department are favoring them and the green gold of the area is facing axe.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
They told that they have called many times the concerned Range Officer Mohammad Maqbool and DFO Bandipora Shabir Ahmad, but said they didn’t pay heed. They added that officials of the departments are hand-in-glove with the smugglers.
Mir Mushtaq, a local activist said that, Bandipora is witnessing the increased deforestation due to the self-interested activities of land mafias at various compartments like Aloosa, Ashtingoo and its adjoing areas adding that these activities are carried out by help of forest officials.
Another Social and Environment Activist, Towheed Sheikh demanded that high-ups of the Department of Forest to take a strong note of the illegal felling of trees so that stern action is taken against the violators of law.
DFO Bandipora Shabir Ahmad while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) refuted the allegations levelled by the locals.
He said that he will look into the matter, saying that anybody found guilty will be dealt with strictly. (KNS)