* Joint team to hold inquiry: CF East
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Jan 15: Massive green felling in Compartment Number 9 of Bani Range of Basohli Forest Division has been reported, wherein about eight to ten Conifer trees have been axed and over 150- 160 timber sleepers smuggled, apparently to adjoining Himachal Pradesh.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the area where this green felling has been surfaced is situated near village Bhandar. It is nearly three hour on-foot journey from Bani Tehsil headquarters and more closer to Himachal-J&K border. The local villagers informed the matter to police authorities at Bani and also CID wing of the district police after silence on the part of Forest field staff.
They also shared the photographs and videos of the damaged area and trees, alleging that about eight to ten green trees have been fallen during last one week. The smugglers even removed/damaged the trunk base/root-flare of some of the trees. They claimed that possibility of the involvement of local field staff can not be ruled out as they were also informed by the villagers after 2-3 days of the damage. They said over 150-160 timber sleepers reported to have been smuggled from this area during this period.
DFO Basohli, Munish Bhardwaj when contacted said that he came to know about the incident today. He said the Range officer Bani has been directed to visit the area and get detailed report. He claimed that department had given permission of felling two damaged trees in the area.
Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, Jammu Division, Ravinder Singh said that Deputy Director FPF Billawar, Parveen Kumar has deputed a team to the area and is expected to get details by tomorrow. He said the staff has shared pictures/ videos of the damaged area.
Meanwhile, Conservator of Forests, East Circle Jammu, Pardeep C Bahulya said that he has taken cognizance of the matter. “Whosoever, found guilty, will not be spared,” he claimed.
The CF said that a neutral team, led by a DFO level officer from the other Division, along with some officials from FPF or other wings, is being constituted to hold thorough investigation into the matter, fixing responsibility on the concern officials.
It is pertinent to mention here that hardly a fortnight back three Deodar trees were axed in Compartment No, 69 of Luaang Block of Bani Range. The concerned officials reportedly lodged an FIR but outcome is yet awaited.
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