Kashmir’s forests are being vandalized while the state administration and civil society sleeps
Relentless Vandalism of Kupwara Forests Goes Unchecked
Kupwara: Thick and dense forests of Kashmir are fast dwindling with timber smugglers getting away scot-free owing to official indifference. The forests in Kupwara district stand testimony to the vandalism.
Kandi, Nutnussa Kupwara and Lolab forests, falling under forest ranges of Kupwara and Zangli, were once known for their dense and thick forest cover, but the stumps left behind indicate the rampant felling of tress by smugglers over the years so does the receding tree line at the foothills of Kandi Kupwara and Lolab forests.
The locals allege that the smugglers have full backing of forest officials including the forest protection force. Ironically, the Kandi and Nutnussa forests, just four to five kilometers from the office of Deputy Director Forest Protection Force, is one of the worst hit areas.
In upper reaches of Kandi and Nutnussa forests, smugglers pile up the timber and smuggle it under the cover of darkness to areas like Chogal, Kulangam and other areas of Handwara town.
“The timber smuggling is flourishing and it mocks at the government claims of safeguarding the forests,” locals said, adding that the smugglers have enjoyed full backing of army and police besides forest officials.
Besides finding the unending stretch of half-burnt and chopped tree trunks at many places to the barren one can even hear the sawing and axing of trees while passing through the foothills of the forests.
The locals allege that the authorities are not taking concrete measures to prevent felling of trees, and are instead turning blind eye to the grave issue.
When contacted Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Kupwara, Abdus Salam refuted of having any information about organized timber smuggling going on in Kupwara forests, but added that they keep receiving reports of forest officials involved with the smugglers.
The officer alleged that there was lot of political interference in shielding the smugglers.
Salam said the foresters are custodians of “unlocked property” and it was not possible for them to stop the loot completely.
Despite the repeated attempts, Conservator of Forests North Kashmir could not be contacted
(Rising Kashmir)