Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Apr 23: Forest Department today removed a major encroachment in Mangnar area of the district.
A joint team of Forest Department and Forest Protection Force led by Range Officer Haveli Azmat Shah and assisted by a police party and revenue officials reached the spot in compt No 228/H and dismantled the illegal structure constructed by one Mohd Rafiq, who is a Class IV employee in Agriculture Department.
In addition, 30 kanals of forest land was retrieved from the grab of the encroacher by removing the fencing erected by his family and destroying the crop sown by his household. The eviction was vehemently opposed by the family of the encroacher but the eviction was successfully carried out.
The eviction operation was carried out under the supervision of Dr Syed Nadeem Hussain, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer Poonch.
When contacted, Dr Nadeem informed that the encroacher namely Mohd Rafiq has been arrested by the police for assault on another local who opposed his encroachment and also for attacking staff of the Forest Department. He further added that Deputy Commissioner and SSP Poonch have extended full cooperation in the whole process.
The encroacher has been placed under suspension by DC Poonch. A case for violation of Section 6 of J&K Forest Act has been registered against Mohd Rafiq and further necessary action under Law shall be taken, DFO Poonch assured.
Follow our WhatsApp channel