Smuggled timber recovered from Awoora forest

Kupwara, Feb 8: Timber smugglers have axed a deodar tree in Awoora forests in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The loss to the green gold has been witnessed in compartment number 2 of Awoora.

Locals of the area alleged that the practice of illegal cutting of green gold was going on in the area for a long time but the concerned officials were watching as mute spectators.

They alleged that the officials were hand in glove with the timber smugglers.

An official said that the cost of axed deodar trees would be in lakhs.

The news came to fore after a video surfaced on social media following which police and the concerned departmental officials rushed to the spot and seized two logs.

A forest official said that strict action under relevant sections would be initiated against those involved.