Wayan (Kupwara), May 27: The construction on armed police batallion headquarters in eco-fragile Wayan is posing a grave threat to the environment and endangering the wildlife.
 Sources revealed that the constructing agency was trying to “encroach” several kanals of forest land in the compartment number 58. 
 “The noise of mixers and movement of tippers carrying construction material is forcing the migration of wild animals to the adjoining residential areas,” the residents said adding the construction started 2-years back by the 7th battalion of armed police.
 “Three to four cubs are regularly being seen roaming in the nearby Armbagh village,” Shakir Ahmad said.
 “Though police acquired 200-kanals of agriculture land located on the forest peripheries, they are now eying the nearby forest area and had constructed several buildings in the 58 forest compartment,” residents alleged.
 Wayan a picturesque area, located about 3-kilometers from district headquarter Kupwara lies beyond the Gulgam-Haihama road and is part of the Kehmil forest division. Because of its thick forests, vast meadows and serene environs, people used to go picnic. “After constructions, nobody visits there,” the residents said. 
 The people are up in arms against the alleged vandalization of forest demanding immediate halt to the construction.
 When contacted, DFO Kehmil, Mir Javid Hussain, told Greater Kashmir, “I have recently took over the charge and will investigate the encroachment allegations.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 IST