Aaqib Rasool
Ganderbal 11 August (KNZ):Unabated timber smuggling in the forests of Gutlibagh in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has taken a heavy toll on the green gold of the area, with the authorities looking as mute spectators.
The forests have been left unchecked by the concerned employees (forest Guard) that has given a free run to the smugglers, the locals complained.
According to sources,forest trees were cut down in compartment No’s 40 in Gutlibagh area
“The forest officials never bothered to visit the spot for checking and it seems that there is nexus between them and employees,sources added.
Local source informed the department that might be in deep slumber and ignored the safety of the trees from Forest mafia who are active in area.
“The loot of our forest cover is going on in broad daylight and the forest department is doing nothing to stop this loot. Possibly without the league of forest department employee’s loot of green gold is not possible,”locals said
“We see some smugglers carrying axes and others going into forested areas in the wee hours of morning, trying to destroy the trees,sources told KNZ
When Kashmir News Zone-KNZ contacted DFO Ganderbal Mr Owais Mir he said, strict action will be take against those who are found guilty.KNZ
