Massive tree felling sparks outrage in Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah, Nov 27: At least 100 green fir trees were found illegally axed in the Tanta area of Bhaderwah Forest Division, sparking backlash from the locals and environmentalists, prompting Conservator Forest Chenab Circle Sandeep Kumar to initiate a high-level inquiry and register 77 cases.

After receiving reports of large-scale illegal felling and unabated smuggling of timber extracted from green fir, cedar, and kail trees, when the Greater Kashmir team visited the Tanta area in the Chirala Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division, locals and environmentalists showed more than 100 trees axed illegally at Mona Nullah in Compartment No 3 beside half a dozen banned mechanical cutters used to extract the timber.

Conservator Chenab Circle, Sandeep Kumar confirmed large-scale illegal felling saying that immediately after receiving the news, four investigation teams were constituted and sent to the Tanta area where 100 trees were found illegally axed.

Taking cognisance, 77 cases have been registered under the Indian Forest Act.

He said that besides smugglers, the forest officials who were involved in the illegal act of felling green conifers would also be taken to task as the preliminary report is expected by Thursday.

The large-scale illegal cutting of rapidly decreasing coniferous forests is raising concerns over the violation of environmental protocol.

According to residents of Tanta Panchayat, the timber mafia with the help of some forest officials posted in the area facilitated such widespread felling of trees and smuggling of timber to other areas.

“It seems to be a deep-rooted conspiracy. The locals had already informed DFO Bhaderwah multiple times about the use of banned mechanical cutters that were used in the illegal cutting of trees but no action was initiated, resulting in massive felling of trees and smuggling,” said Bilal Wani of Wani Pura Tanta.

District Magistrate Doda has already banned the sale, purchase, and use of mechanical cutters in the district to control illegal felling of trees.