Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 1: Lauding the efforts of Forest Protection Force (FPF) and Forest Department for curbing the timer smuggling in the State effectively, the Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmed underscored the need for sustained drive against timber smugglers so that this menace could be controlled in the state.
Speaking at the review meeting of Forest Protection Department, Mian Altaf said forest smuggling in Pir Panchal and Rafiabad belts was a chronic and biggest challenge before the Department, adding that strenuous efforts of the employees of Forest Protection Force, besides Forest Department has curbed the menace of timber smuggling in these areas.
Mian Altaf, however, said “No laxity in this regard will be tolerated”. He warned the defaulting staff members for strict disciplinary action on any lapse in curbing the timber smuggling. He said the officials showing best performance would be suitability rewarded. He assured that all the genuine demands of the employees of the department would be redressed on priority.
The Minister exhorted upon the officers to work with dedication and honestly and strive to conserve the green gold of the state. He said for conversation of rich eco- system of the state more and more land would be covered under various schemes launched by the Government for the purpose.
Director Forest Protection Force apprised the meeting that Forest Protection has seized 3757 CFTs of timber, 6 vehicles, 14 horses during the last 7 months of current fiscal in Kashmir division. He said 350 hectors of forest land have also been evicted besides 80 poles of different species have been also seized during the period.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Vinod Ranjan, Commissioner, Secretary Forest, Ejaz Iqbal, Director Forest Protection Force, Mohammad Shafiq Khan, Divisional Forest Officer Shopian, Mohammad Ashraf and officers of the Forest Protection Department attended the meeting.
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