Despite rampant felling of timber trees in Shopian forest belt by smugglers, the Forest Department has failed to curb the ‘green gold’ loot, sulking in deep slumber.
Forests cover across the Pir Panjal range in Shopian district has seen an unprecedented decline due to illegal felling of the deodar and fir trees by smugglers.
Residents of Tharen, Hurpora and Dabjin said that the smugglers and forest officials have a “nexus” to chop the lush green trees here.
One of the residents said that smugglers have wreaked havoc in the forests. He said that they have many a time tipped off forest officials about the smugglers cutting the trees. “But nothing was done. Whenever any smuggler is caught by forest officials in public glare, he is arrested,” Shah said.
“But when the officials apprehend any smuggler without the people knowing it, he is let off after paying a hefty bribe to them,” he alleged.
The locals said that trees are being now cut to construct ‘dhokas’. Despite knowing the reality, forest officials don’t act. The irony is that donkeys and horses are being used to ferry smuggling timber in broad day light.
A forest official said they are unable to curb smuggling as smugglers outnumber them. “Forest Protection Force is not fully equipped to take on these smugglers,” he said and admitted that loot of green gold is in full swing in Shopian forest belts. (KNT)