Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, (Jammu) Jan 22: Following extensive reporting by ‘The Northlines’, a team of senior forest officers visited Makol village in Nowshera to inquire about large-scale deforestation. However, no action has been taken against the erring officials responsible for the damage to the green zone.
According to sources, Conservator of Forests Satpal, along with Range Officer Sunderbani Anil Dev Singh and several other officers and guards, visited the Makol area following reports of unauthorized road construction and illegal tree felling.
“While the visit appeared to be an official inspection, no visible action has been taken to address the rampant deforestation and violations of environmental norms,” said sources. They added that the destruction of forests continues unabated, with trees being indiscriminately cut down and roads being constructed without the necessary permissions.
“Development is essential and welcomed, but it must adhere to proper environmental norms. Unchecked activities are leading to the destruction of our natural heritage,” they emphasized.
The visit has also raised questions about the intent behind such inspections.
“Officials merely conducted formalities, clicked photographs, and prepared reports to appease higher authorities, without taking substantial measures to curb the damage,” said sources. They further alleged that some officials have blocked the phone numbers of those who raised concerns about the issue.
Sources also indicated that blocking the numbers of reporters or whistleblowers is a clear indication of avoiding any question or sharing the outcome of the aforesaid ‘Inspection.’
“If the Conservator and DFO ignore complaints, who will protect the forests? Are the guardians of the forest themselves complicit in its destruction?” asserted the sources.
Meanwhile, local activists have demanded urgent intervention from senior authorities.
“The LG administration government for its declared anti-corruption stance, is supposed to initiate immediate steps to investigate this act of brazen vandalism of forest area,” an activist maintained. “Ensuring transparency and accountability in forest management is not just a policy matter but a necessity to safeguard the environment for future generations.”
