GANDERBAL|SONAMARG: Forests are the precious living jewels of our life" Our past as well as our future as a nation, is inextricably linked to our forests. Our forests are the source of almost everything we need to survive—fresh water, clean air, food and medicines. They help rejuvenate our soils, ensure timely rains and cool temperatures while sequestering carbon which moderates climate change.

Whereas Forest Grabbers continue denuding the green gold' (Precious treasure) into Lashpathri of Sonamarg forest belt here in Ganderbal district' where precious forest wealth is falling prey to fires these days, the sky remains almost covered with toxic smoke and to kill our surrounding and green gold' which is one of the major reasons for climate change".

Thus it seems forest department having inadequate facilities to monitor and control forest grabbers in area or to control fires in picturesque place in Lashpathri at Sonamarg" with its limited manpower these people setting forests on fire for their personal benefit, precious flora and fauna of the area worth lacs of rupees is getting reduced to ashes during these days in Lashpathri ". Locals told "JK Monitor".