Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 21: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Mohit Gera, visited some areas of Doodh Ganga (DD) forest range where a large portion of forest has been felled.
The locals said that it is for the first time in the history of Forest Department that PCCF level officer paid a visit to the area. They however said that the PCCF was not taken to the worst affected areas where large scale damage has been caused to the forest.
Residents have appealed PPCF to also visit the forest compartments of the same range that have faced tremendous damage during the last 6 months to 1 year, especially during the 2019 summer lockdown and on-going COVID 19 pandemic.
“A lot of forest trees were chopped by the timber smugglers who allegedly had the active support of some forest officers,” locals said.
A delegation from villages Darwan, Chalyan , Kutbal , Goggee Pathri , Branwar and other areas told Excelsior that PCCF Mohit Gera’s visit to the area has generated hope among the locals who allege that smugglers from other areas like Sangerwani and adjoining areas of Kellar Shopian had caused a huge damage of forests in Frasnag , Lidermudh, Char Jin and Bargah areas which fall under Doodh Ganga forest range of Budgam.
Locals have appealed to the PCCF to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) headed by an upright officer preferably an IFS level officer to probe illegal felling of trees in Doodh Ganga forest range during last one year.
“We appeal PCCF Mohit Gera to constitute an SIT to probe illegal timber smuggling and cutting of forest trees in Doodh Ganga range particularly in Frasnag , Bargah , Lidermud and Char Jin compartments. Let the officers from DFO, RO to Forester be penalized for this damage and new officials be posted in the area,” said Fayaz Ahmad a member of the delegation
They also demanded that the SIT must investigate the construction of illegal Kothas and the amount being taken as bribes for allowing such illegal construction.
“It is alleged that Rs 30,000 to 40,000 are being taken as a bribe for illegal construction of Kothas is forests of Doodh Ganga range which also needs to be investigated along with damage caused to forests,” locals said.
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