Kupwara, Aug 30: Taking full advantage of the current unrest in Valley, the timber smugglers here are felling trees in Kehmil, Kamraj and Langate forest divisions.
 Sources said the timber smugglers had been active and felling trees in Kralpora, Melyal, Chowkibal, Marsari, Tumina, Ramhal, Rajwar, Kenial, Gulgam,Wayun, Wayoosa, Didikoot, Magam, Vilgam, Tarathpora,  Leelum Langate, Mawar, Nowgam Manigah, Bumhama, Muqam, Drugmulla, Kandi, Kalaroos, Surigam, Maidanpora, Gagal, Indernard, Kuligam, Nard, Changri, Batnard, Doben, Sogam, Gundmanchar, Dorusa, Tickipora, Dardepora, Diver and Sivan areas.
 “After cutting trees, the smugglers pour coal and sulphuric acid on stumps so that they would look old,” sources said.
 “The smugglers carry illicit timber on tractors, tippers, horses and ponies. At least 300 to 400 timber smugglers are active in the district,” sources added.
 The locals accuse the officials of acting as mute spectators towards the vandalization of forests. “We apprised the officials regarding felling of trees, but they failed to take any concrete action,” the local said.
 “Instead of taking action, the officials informed the timber smugglers, who threatened us of dire consequences if we created problems for them,” the local added.
 “The wanton loot of forests has started to show its effects in Lolab which is facing acute shortage of water for irrigation and drinking” told Zahoor Ahmad of Lolab.
 When contacted Chief conservator Forests Kashmir, Shafat Ahmad said, “My all three DFO’s are available round the clock in their concerned forest divisions. There is no organized timber smuggling in Kupwara district.”
 “Whenever we get complaints of timber smuggling we take cognizance, and also take action against the erring officials.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST