Baramulla residents raise concerns over shortage of timber at SFC depots

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 1: Residents across parts of North Kashmir's Baramulla district today raised concern over an alleged shortage of Deodar and Kawar timber at State Forest Corporation (SFC) depots, saying they are being forced to buy wood from the open market despite forests being located nearby.

Residents alleged that timber is being shifted from Baramulla to Srinagar and other districts while local consumers with authorized requirements are left waiting for months. "I have been visiting Government offices for nearly a year to get timber. I am constructing a house and am forced to purchase wood from the market, despite forests being located close to us. The depots in Baramulla are empty," Manzoor Ahmad, a resident, told Daily Excelsior. He said residents approaching SFC officials were often told that timber is unavailable.

Another resident, Gulzar Ahmad, said consumers had been making repeated visits to government offices without receiving their required supply. "If we have a right to this wood, then why is it being sent to other districts? I have been making rounds of offices for the last six months, but have still not received the required timber," he said.

Residents urged authorities to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of timber, particularly for genuine construction and other legitimate requirements.

DFO SFC Baramulla Abdul Hamid Malla, however, said timber was being supplied to both local depots and Srinagar as part of the corporation's distribution and revenue-generation system.

Malla said five timber-laden vehicles had recently arrived at the SFC in Baramulla. Of these, three were unloaded at local SFC depots and two were sent to Srinagar.