RAMBAN: District Magistrate, Ramban, Mussarat Islam, has banned the use, sale and purchase of portable Chain Saw Cutters (Mechanical Cutters) in the district. In exercise of his powers u/s 144 CrPC, the DM has banned the use, possession, sale and purchase of these mechanical cutters as according to his order, its use is a violation of Indian Forest Ac1927.
According to the Order, the step has been taken to prevent the damage to trees and illegal felling of trees in forests by forest/timber smugglers which pose a grave threat and challenge for forest protection.
All persons possessing these Portable Chain Saw Cutters (Mechanical Cutter) have been directed to immediately deposit the same in their respective Police Stations and all DFOs/SHOs/Range Officers shall ensure its implementation within 7 days from issuance of this order.
No stockist / trader shall sell these cutters without permission of DM, Ramban, the order stated. Similarly, all manual Hand Saw Owners have been asked to get themselves registered with the concerned DFOs of their areas within a period of 15 days from the issuance of this order.
Moreover, these cutters shall be allowed to be temporarily used for departmental extraction of timber by Forest Department/JKFDCL (SFC) after obtaining the approval of the Conservator of Forests. The order shall remain in force for two months from the date of issuance of this order.