Timber smuggling goes unchecked in DH Pora Kulgam, say locals

Kulgam, Mar 27: Timber smugglers have caused great damage to the green gold at the forest range of Damhal Hanjipura in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, with locals alleging nexus between smugglers and forest officials.
Locals alleged that trees worth lakhs of rupees have been cut illegally in compartment number 17 at Humapathry Noorabad area of the DH Pora forest range.
They alleged that three dozen pine trees have been chopped off by timber smugglers over the past few weeks here. “There is a nexus between timber smugglers and wildlife officials. The cutting of the trees recently has denuded the forest zone,” the locals said.
They said the department is well aware of smuggling but is not making any efforts to stop it.
Meanwhile, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Forest Division Kulgam, Syed Wasim said an FIR has been registered against the people involved in the timber smuggling.
He said the Quick Response Team (QRT) of the block range visited the spot. “We are committed to preserving our forests,” he said. (KNO)