Srinagar, July 25: Timber smugglers are taking full advantage of the prevailing unrest in the Valley as they are having a field day in the lush green forests of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.  
 Sources said since the unrest over the civilian killings broke out in the Valley the timber smugglers have been resorting to unabated felling of trees in Branwar forests of Dood Ganga Forest Range.
 “After felling the trees, the smugglers pour sulphuric acid on the stumps so that they would look old. Ironically, the officials are acting as mute spectators to the vandalization of forests,” the locals told Greater Kashmir.
 They said the smugglers have spread their operation to Sutaharan, Drang, Arizal, Tosamaidan and Beeru. “The smugglers cut the trees in different sizes and ferry the timber on nearly 200 horses. The timber is then smuggled to Srinagar and other districts,” they said.
 The locals said they had many times apprised the concerned officials about the matter. “Ironically, instead of taking action they informed the timber smugglers who threatened us of dire consequences if we hampered felling of trees,” they said.
 Sources said the officials of Forest department were reluctant to act against the timber smugglers in absence of police assistance. “The timber smugglers are armed with axes and knives. It is difficult for us to launch operation against them. We had sought police assistance however, the cops are busy dealing with law and order situation,” an official wishing anonymity said.
 Pertinently the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Movement had last year filed an RTI application last year, seeking information on action taken against the notorious smugglers active in Budgam. Acting on it, the authorities had identified 18 timber smugglers and recommended Public Safety Act against them.
 “However, most of these smugglers are yet to be booked. It is ironical that people allegedly involved in stone throwing are being booked under PSAs but timber smugglers for which the act is meant, are roaming scot-free said Dr Muzaffar Bhat, Convener of the RTI Movement.
 Dr Muzaffar alleged that the illicit timber was used in construction of some Government buildings in the district.
 “This is matter of grave concern that smuggled timber has been used in many school buildings constructed under in upper reaches of Chadoora, Khansahib, Chararisharief, Khag and Nagam educational zones,” he said.

DC SPEAKS
 The Deputy Commissioner, Budgam Muhammad Rafi acknowledged that the timber smugglers were active in the district. “The forests of Budgam are worst hit after Shopian in terms of timber smuggling. We have been arresting and booking the timber smugglers under PSA, however there is no let up in felling of trees. There is an organised mafia behind the timber smuggling,” Rafi said.
 Rafi said the problem was compounded due to lack of manpower in the Forest department. “I had taken up the issue with the higher authorities. The Government earlier this month had sanctioned a posse of police for assistance of the Forest department to tame the timber smuggling. “However, due to unrest in the Valley, we are awaiting the police contingent. But on our requisition, a dedicated Divisional Forest Officer has been posted in Budgam. After we received the reinforcements, we will be acting tough on the timber smugglers. We are committed to save the forests,” he added.
 Despite repeated attempts, the Divisional Forest Officer, Pir Panchal Division, Ghulam Hassan Bhat was not available for comments.

Experts worried
 Experts have warned that the unabated felling of trees was one of the main reasons for erratic climatic change in the Valley and can trigger a major ecological disaster. Incidentally, the wanton loot of forests had started to show its effects in the north Kashmir, which is facing acute shortage of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
 Due to extensive felling of trees in upper reaches of Rafiabad area of Varmul district, particularly in the past 18 years, soil has started to erode and settle in the Jhelum, which is the main water resource.
 Most of the irrigation and water supply schemes in the district have been affected due to tremendous depletion of water level in the streams.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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