Scores of green pine trees ‘illegally axed’ at Tanta Forest Block

Bhaderwah, July 15: In a brazen manner to smuggle timber scores of green pine trees worth lakhs of rupees were found axed at Batogra Panchayat in Tanta forest Block of Bhadarwah Forest Division.

Locals and environmentalists allege that instead of nabbing the real culprits, a cover up operation has been launched by some officials of the Forest department in Tanta forest block. The matter with regard to massive felling of pine trees by some timber smugglers in connivance with a few concerned officials was reported by locals to the representatives of media organisations.

Locals allege that instead of taking cognizance of the massive damage by booking four habitual timber smugglers of Tanta village, Forest officials are trying to make a resident of Batogra village the scapegoat by booking him for the damage.

However, DFO Bhadarwah, Mohammad Ayub Khan said that officials of the Forest Department have launched an operation in remote Tanta Block of Kahara Tehsil, after matter with regard to massive felling of Kail trees by some local timber smugglers in connivance with a few officials was reported by locals of the area.

DFO said that four fully grown Pine trees were found illegally axed in compartment 4 of Batogra Forest in Tanta Block.

“The smugglers took advantage of the absence of beat guard who is being hospitalised at GMC Doda after the mini bus he was travelling in met with an accident day before yesterday,” said Mohammad Ayub Khan.

“The culprit, Manzoor Ahmed son of Bashir Ahmed a resident of Batogra village has been booked under Forest Act and after the detailed report by evening, a police case will be also registered against him,” DFO added.