Forest Dept fails to appoint Conservator for North Kashmir

Suhail Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 22: After transferring Conservator following expose of large-scale cutting of trees, Forest Department has failed to appoint new Conservator in vulnerable North Kashmir, leaving ground clear for smugglers.
Sources said non-availability of Forest Conservator has rendered a vast area of about 2150 square kilometers spread over Kupwara and Baramulla vulnerable to timber smuggling. The locals expressed concern over this lackadaisical approach of the Department and alleged that by leaving the post vacant they are giving a free hand to timber smugglers.
“When the post of the officer who has the powers to stop the merciless cutting of trees is vacant who will be held accountable for any misconduct? The officials do not care about the green gold. They only mint money,” they said.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a sawmill owner while narrating his plight, said that the renewal date of his license was due this month but without the approval of Conservator he is unable to renew it. “Without renewal of license my work is technically illegal. I do not want anyone to term my legal work illegal. I have no option but to operate illegally as the Forest Department feels our area least important,” he said.
Last month, locals living near compartment Number 29, 40 and 44 had complained that timber smugglers cut nearly five hundred trees at Kiter Dagi and Mong Dagi forest ranges of Rafiabad woods. Accordingly, police launched major search operation against the illegal felling and seized 54 logs of timber and found nearly 200 chopped trees besides registering a case.
Subsequently, the Forest Department transferred the Forest Conservator but even after a month has passed the post still remains vacant.
When contacted, Minister of State for Forest, Zahoor Ahmad Mir told Excelsior, said: “This is really an issue of concern. I will see why such a vast and smuggling-prone area is functioning without a Conservator,” he added.

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