Touseef Wani

Ganderbal, May 14:(KNC)The Forest Department on Thursday foiled a timber smuggling attempt in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and seized a large quantity of illegally felled willow logs from the Haran Shalibugh area, officials said.

According to sources, the operation was conducted by officials of the Haran Shalibugh Range of Sind Forest Division following specific information about illegal felling activities taking place in Compartment No. 17 of the forest area.

During the early morning raid, the forest officials recovered several willow logs that were allegedly prepared for smuggling. However, the accused involved in the activity managed to escape from the spot before being apprehended.

Officials said the confiscated timber is estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees in the market.

Divisional Forest Officer of Sind Forest Division, Iqbal Rasool confirmed the seizure and said legal action is being initiated against the accused.

“The timber has been seized successfully. Although the smuggler escaped during the raid, he has been identified and an FIR will be lodged accordingly,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has launched further investigation to identify other persons allegedly involved in the timber smuggling racket.

The incident has once again raised concerns over illegal felling and timber smuggling in forest areas of Ganderbal district. Locals have urged the authorities to intensify monitoring and strengthen surveillance in vulnerable forest compartments to prevent such activities.(KNC)