Srinagar: Authorities on Sunday said that a committee has been constituted to ascertain the allegations against loot of green gold in Bandipora forests.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora Forest Division Chitternar in response to a media report, said that a panel has been constituted vide this office Order No. DFO/Bpr/Order/202311246-49 Dated. 24-03-2023 for combing up operation of Compartment 07/Kh Ashtangoo Forest Block of Khuihama Range to ascertain ground reality and furnishing of fact findings for further eventual action as warranted under law.
The committee constituted has been directed to probe into the allegations levelled in a section of media and submit their findings.
Besides, Range officer concerned has been directed to mobilize his field staff (frontline workers) and ensure foolproof protection of green wealth.
Meanwhile, the RO CFCR Bandipora has been instructed to conduct frequent inspection of susceptible areas and conduct night nakas to curb down such illegal menace of forest smuggling if any noticed.
“Already, this Division has tightened the check posts by deploying extra reinforcement for night stay and their functioning round the clock 24×7 to strengthen the protection scenario within the district,” he said.
To this effect, last week on a tip off, a special drive against the most notorious smuggler was launched and was nabbed on spot with illicit forest produce along with vehicle, the DFO said, adding that a case has been registered in the authorised forum of this division for initiation of confiscation proceedings in terms of Indian Forest Act, 1927 and direct ions for court challan against the culprit for criminal proceedings is under way through seizing authority, Range Officer CFCR Bandipora.
