Smugglers axing  forests in Kamraj Division

KUPWARA: North Kashmir's Kupwara district is witnessing ruthless deforestation as timber mafias are active in cutting prized Deodar and Kail trees in the forests. Meanwhile, when this correspondent reached the spot he found that heavy damage is caused by the smugglers to the green treasure in forest division of Kamraj. “The cutting of green trees from the forests is not only ruining the natural beauty of the famous tourist destinations of the District but also badly affecting the environment,” they said.

“The timber smugglers had dumped large quantity of green trees in  Kalaroos , Kamraj Division".  The locals of the area have demanded that the concerned Forest Minister Choudhary Lal Singh should immediately take steps to stop the illegal practice of felling trees, Early his statement for the smugglers that  he would not tolerate any lackadaisical approach in performing of the duties and asked the officers to attend to their duties with honesty and dedication but nothing would be seen on ground. When this Correspondent contacted to DFO Langate, said that he don't know about it but he added that his officers are continuously watching the forest areas, he added that strict action will be taken under the law if any found guilty.