On March 14, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district detained two timber smugglers under the Public Safety Act and removed the divisional forest officer and range officer from their positions as part of a crackdown on smuggling.
The action follows a November 26 media report on the illegal felling of over 100 conifer trees in Tanta Block under the Chirala range of Bhaderwah forest division.
Following the report, the principal chief conservator of forests and Chenab’s conservator of forests formed different teams to assess the situation, according to officials. Sandeep Kumar, Conservator of Forests for Chenab Circle, stated that investigations proved the unlawful logging.
He stated that action was taken based on the findings of the investigations and the previous records of individuals implicated. “Two habitual offenders have been charged under the Public Safety Act.” They were arrested last night and taken to jail,” Kumar added.Kumar said the accused, Hashim Din Magray of Kuthal village and Bilal Ahmed Wani of Wani Pura, had a history of repeated offences.
Magray had been arrested nine times and Wani three times for violating forest laws, as well as for attacking forest inspectors.
The Doda district magistrate has filed a Public Safety Act complaint against them, he claims. Kumar warned that more persistent criminals are being detected, and they will face severe consequences.
He also promised that any forest officials caught engaging in unlawful logging will face repercussions. In connection with the case, Bhaderwah divisional forest officer and Chirala range officer were dismissed from their positions and assigned to the principal chief conservator of forests’ office in Jammu, officials said.Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal has taken suo moto cognisance of the illegal cutting of over 100 conifer trees in the Mona Nallah area of Doda.
It has issued letters to the principal chief conservator of forests, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Doda district magistrate, requesting a thorough response to the occurrence. (PTI)
