SRINAGAR: Forest Department officials have intensified night patrolling in vulnerable forest areas of the Kashmir. The Forest Department has intensified vigil in Kandi, Rafiabad, Kichwari, Pirpanjal, Kuthar and Sedow forest areas. In one such operation, on the intervening night of 26th/27th July the Range Officer, Raithan Range of PP Division, Budgam along with other forest officials seized illicit timber and later arrested the culprits.
The Conservator of Forests, Srinagar Circle Irfan Ali Shah said, “We will continue to squeeze space for any kind of forest-based offences. Our forest officials are on alert and night operations shall continue." Pertinently, the forest department booked a habitual forest damager under Public Safety Act in Budgam recently.