Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 15: The Forest Department has cut forty year old trees that were raised for research purposes inside the premises of Jehlum View Division Baramulla in North Kashmir.
At least seven trees were uprooted including an endangered species of Mellai without seeking permission from the concerned authorities. The trees were planted some forty years for research purposes in a plant nursery in the premises of the division.
The trees were not only cut but sold as firewood, wasting all the efforts of the employees who worked hard in their upbringing. “Some of the species are not found here. We were taking care of them for last forty years and worked hard to bring them up successfully. But they are gone now,” an employee who is aware about the developments, said.
He added: “There is a nursery where they raise the trees for research purpose. Forty year back one of our officers introduced some trees including some endangered plants and planted them here,” he said.
Irfan Rashid Wani, Conservator North Kashmir said that they were damaged in the snowfall and cleared by the department. “I have come to know about it through you and will look into the matter,” he said.
Asked whether they have sought permission for cutting the trees, he said: “They were all local trees and were damaged in the snowfall. The department has cleared them,” he said.
However, some of the officials who are concerned over the issues said that the department could have pruned the branches to save the trees. “Their insensitivity have cost us an asset. They were precious trees as we had only two trees of Mellia in Valley. One is gone now. Another one is inside the premises of Bandipora Training School,” he said.
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