Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 7: In the wake of lockdown imposed due to the spread of COVID-19, the forests in the upper reaches of district Baramulla are being cleared by cutting down the trees like never before.
Excelsior has learned from the locals that thousands of trees-particularly those that are young and could last for the next several decades-are being chopped off on daily basis by the people and mafias who are residing in nearby areas.
The forests coming under Compartment number 3 falls under Zogiyar area of Baramulla and people from adjoining areas such as Zandfaran and Badmulla are regularly seen trekking up and resorting to cutting down of trees in the forest.
Locals, who wished not to be named, told Excelsior that the practice has been going on for long now and trees in thousands have been cut down so far, while as the forest guards-who are tasked to keep a check on such violations-remain absent from their duties.
“The cutting of trees continues day and night without any halt and without anybody from the forest department taking notice of the crime being committed there,” the locals said.
They also said that they have not seen any forest guard inspecting the area for last at least 2 months leave alone any official visiting the forests to make sure that the guards are doing their duties.
“There is just on single employee who comes, but inspects the lower areas of the forest, while as the trees are being cut down the upper reaches of the area,” they said.
Locals impressed that people belonging to well-off families and mafias from areas like Zandfaran and Badmulla are cutting off trees at the speed of light and what really is disappointing is the inaction from the concerned department.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for the Union Territory of J&K, Dr Mohit Gera told Excelsior that he has sought a report from the concerned while assuring swift action to be taken in this regard.
When contacted, District Forest Officer (DFO), Baramulla, Pervaiz Wani told Excelsior that the staff deputed on duty in the compartment in focus was sent to 14-day quarantine, after one of their colleagues tested positive for COVID-19.
“There are five people deputed there, 1 was tested positive and the rest of 4 employees were sent to 14-days quarantine; they are back now and things will be taken care of,” he said.
He added that there has been action in a few incidents. “We have registered an FIR in some incidents, along with seizures; I will visit the areas myself,” he said while assuring that action in such violations will be taken.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
