Zahoor Bhat
Sumbal ,May 17: Controversy begins over chopping down of willows in Naninara area of Sumbal Sub-division in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District on Sunday when a team headed by Block Development Council Chairman Sumbal chopped down many willows without any auction or orders
,locals alleged.
Locals told that the concerned authorities allegedly taking benefit of lockdown chopped down scores of willows without any auction or formal which is the sheer violation of law.
They said that it is unfortunate that the willow trees were cut here without even letting the owners know about it and in Kashmir authorities push residents to grow more trees in order to make progressions in economy but here the same people cut down such trees.
Residents have asked the district administration authorities to take action against the officials and initiate a probe into the matter.
When contacted Block Development Officer Sumbal said ” Its actually a chronic case of 2018. The willows were causing damage to the crops and earlier farmers had approached department many times. He however said that they haven’t done anything illegal. While seeking the permission in this regard officials failed to produce one.
