SAMBA: The Forest & Revenue Department Samba firmly rebuts the news article published in Dainik Jagran on June 22, 2024, which alleges the open cutting of trees in the Sumb area. The department clarified several inaccuracies and provide the factual context surrounding this issue.
The photographs published in the article, depicting heaps of firewood, have been misrepresented. These photographs show firewood extracted from the proprietary land of Sh. Sardar Singh, S/o Sh. Sant Ram, R/o Simbhlana, and Sh. Paras Ram, S/o Sant Ram, R/o Nallah. This wood was not cut from forest land.
The news item alleges that the Forest Department provided permission for tree cutting. However, according to Circular No: 05 dated 05/03/1998, issued by the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, there is a detailed procedure for regulating the transportation of firewood extracted from private lands in the Jammu region. The felling and removal of trees from private lands were initially governed by the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act 1976, which was later amended by the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act 1977. The amendment removed Section 3, which regulated the felling/removal of trees on private lands. Currently, landowners only need to present the necessary revenue department papers to the Forest Department for transportation permission of firewood.
Upon thorough verification, the Forest Department found that no trees from forest land have been damaged. This confirms that the extraction of firewood was conducted in compliance with existing regulations and solely from private property.
Furthermore, the Revenue Department has also confirmed that the cutting was conducted on ownership land in the village of Makholi. The cut wood has been kept under the supervision of the concerned Lamberdar, further ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
The Forest & Revenue Department of Samba reiterates its commitment to the preservation and protection of forest resources. The allegations presented in the Dainik Jagran article are baseless and misleading.