According to locals from different villages of North Kashmir’s Handwara, large number of ‘kikar’ trees were cut down by some vested interest elements from Soil and Water Conservation Department.
There are hundreds of ‘kikar’ trees at a Nursery located at Ashipora village of Handwara. Comprising of over 15 kanals, Soil and Water Conservation Department had established this nursery in 2005.
Locals from Ashipora , Kralgund Qaziabad said that they were aghast to see scores of ‘kikar’ trees being cutdown. “We asked employees of the department the reason behind the ‘loot’ and they feigned ignorance. We don’t think anybody could cut down these trees and then smuggle them without the involvement of employees,” locals said and added that these trees were cut down and then smuggled to other places on a day when it was snowing heavily.
The locals sought probe and action against guilty.
When contacted, DFO, Soil and Water Conservation Department, Mrs Farhat Sidiq told KNT that the menace of smuggling needs to be checked. She assured probe and action. “I refute these allegations but still I will look into the matter and if it is true, guilty will face the music,” she said. (KNT)