Timber smuggling unabated in Bandipora’s Aloosa forest, authorities in slumber

Bandipora, Sep 1: Notwithstanding its tall claims on forest protection, the forest department has failed to check the vandalisation of green-gold by timber smugglers in Aloosa block in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Locals said that in absence of any checking and surveillance, the smugglers have been adopting a simple method to destroy the forest wealth in different forests of Aloosa range in the district.
They said that the timber smugglers have stepped up their activities since the last few months and inflicted maximum damage in the area which is home to thick pine and coniferous forests. The residents also have accused the officials of the forest division of being “hand-in-glove” with the timber smugglers.
“Not only smugglers, villagers also cut trees for domestic purposes like for cooking food. Lot of trees were cut down in several compartments of the area,” said a local.
Another local said that the smugglers are using tractors and other vehicles during evening hours to shift illegal timber. He however appreciated the efforts of police to curb forest smuggling in the area for the past one month.
An official of the forest department said he will look into the matter and take serious action against the offenders.
Meanwhile, Aloosa police have registered three FIR’s against illegal timber smuggling and seized illicit forest timber in Aloosa.
It may be mentioned here that the police post Aloosa led by (DO) Shakeel Ahmad managed to nab two persons with illegal timber recently. (KNO)