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Timber smuggling goes unchecked in Bhaderwah

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/7/2021 12:04:47 PM

KAMRAN KHAN Bhaderwah, Apr 6 The failure of officials to curb timber smuggling in Bhaderwah forests has encouraged smugglers to cut down the prized timber in many compartments of Kellaar range. Resident of Bharoa and Khalu village told that heavy damage is caused by timber smugglers to the green treasure in forest range Kellar including compartment number 12, 13 and 14. “There is no check to the same by the authorities as the forest officials are hand in glove with these smugglers,” locals alleged. Locals alleged that officials of forest department including Forester, and some Forest Guards of Kellar range are hand in gloves with smugglers thereby facilitating the smugglers to devastate the forests of these compartments. “Timber is being ferried to the Seri market by smugglers allegedly in connivance with these officials. Higher authorities are mute spectators to the plunder of the green gold. Influential people of the area devastate the forests in connivance with officials. They (officials) receive their share,” locals alleged. When contacted concerned Divisional Forest Officer Bhaderwah (DFO), Chander Shekhar while confirming illegal extraction of timber and running of stone queries in Kellar range said that he himself will visit the said compartments and if any of the official was found guilty will be brought to the book.