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In a major crackdown on forest-related crimes, the Forest Department in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah has intensified its drive against timber smuggling and illegal logging. Over the last two months, officials have registered 52 Forest Offences Cases and seized 22 illegal mechanical cutters used for unauthorised tree felling.
In addition to the machinery, dozens of illegally smuggled Deodar wood scants were also recovered during multiple operations carried out across Neeru and Chiralla Range Forest of Bhaderwah Division. These high-value timber logs were reportedly being transported in violation of forest regulations, pointing to the continued activity of the so-called forest mafia in the region. With environmental degradation and illegal logging posing serious ecological threats, authorities have assured that such enforcement drives will continue with full force in the coming months. Speaking to ANI, Divisional Forest Officer Bhaderwah, Devinder Kumar, said, "Our forest protection teams have remained on high alert not only during the day but also throughout the night. Continuous day and night patrolling was carried out across sensitive forest areas to curb illegal activities. In addition, we have established temporary nakkas (checkpoints) along known smuggling routes to intercept illegal timber movement." "Earlier, smugglers used basic tools like axes, but now they have shifted to mechanical cutters, which can fell trees in a matter of minutes. This poses a serious threat to our forest cover. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the buying and selling of mechanical cutters has been completely banned in Doda district," the DFO added. Kumar informed, "In the last two months alone, 52 forest offence cases have been registered under various sections of the Forest Act. We have seized 22 illegally used mechanical cutters and dozens of Deodar wood scants that were being smuggled. The Forest Division Bhaderwah is fully committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against forest crimes and protecting our green cover at all costs." (ANI)
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