Forest department suspends two officials
Illegal timber smuggling was reported in their zone
Anantnag: Forest department in Anantnag finally woke up and took cognizance of green gold smuggling which was going unabated in Aishmuqam area of Pahalgam forest in this southern district.
The locals of the area have been alleging nexus between the smugglers and forest department and demanded action against the officials.
Local have been alleging from last two months that green gold smuggling is going on in forests of Hapthnar area and the concern department has miserably failed to take action against the mafia.
They said every day the trees were being cut down at the hands of uncontrolled mafia.
Sources said that in Compartment number 14b/L Hapartnar Block, which falls under the jurisdiction of Lidder Forest Division Bijbehara, smugglers seen cutting down trees in broad daylight with forest department officials were watching as mute spectators.
“Taking the advantage of present situation in valley, smugglers are wandering in forests with axes,” a resident said adding that the officials of Forest Department were informed many times but to no avail”.
Locals have been accusing the officials of the forest division of being “hand-in-glove” with the timber smugglers.
Meanwhile, taking strong notice of unabated loot of green gold Range officer Mattan on Tuesday suspended two employees and directed concerned beat officer to explain his position in 24 hours.
As per the order the Range officer Mattan deputed a team comprising of D.O. Mattan and staff for spot verification and detailed report under rules.
“As verified and reported by the party that one kail green tree of Dia 50-60 has been illegally cut by some unknown culprits in Compartment 14b/L and has been converted into logs. The in question stocks are existing on spot, which has been seized by party along with concerned beat officer,” the order reads.
As per the order the Range officer Mattan on directions of DFO Lidder Forest Division Bijbehara on pending enquiry ordered for the suspension of the officials posted in compartment 14b/L. The suspended officials are Mushtaq Ahmad Shah (Watcher) and Mohammad Yaqoob Khan (Mali).
“Moreover Beat officer Hapartnar is directed to explain his position within 24 hours and lodge the FIR against the culprits in the concern Police Station under intimation to this office. The seized stocks be kept at safer place on proper superdnama,” the order further reads.
