Ajay Sharma
Reasi, February 15
Despite massive deforestation in the twin districts of Rajouri and Reasi, the Forest department seems unconcerned and ‘unmoved’.
According to sources, large-scale tree cutting has allegedly taken place under the jurisdiction of forest department, causing substantial environmental damage.
Sources indicated that forest destruction has been ongoing for some time, particularly in district Reasi’s Pouni Range, where construction of a road, namely Bola Sidh, in village Sudheen Panchayant Kothian, under the Public Works Department (PWD) has led to the cutting of hundreds of trees.
“Nearly 400 to 500 trees and plants were uprooted, removed under the cover of darkness, and transported away,” said sources, adding that when the matter was highlighted, an investigation was conducted.
Sources maintained that a demarcation team was dispatched to assess the extent of the damage, reportedly on orders from senior officials over the incumbent conservator.
“The team confirmed that a 150-meter stretch of forestland had been affected, and their findings were submitted to higher authorities,” asserted sources, adding that however, the Forest Department’s response to the report has been unexpectedly muted.
It is alleged that a former Block Officer (BO) and Range Officer in Pouni deliberately delayed the preparation of a damage report, possibly to obscure the scale of deforestation.
“Despite clear evidence of illegal activities, no immediate action was taken, leading to speculation about corruption and use of influence within the department,” alleged sources, adding that three independent teams reportedly confirmed that the affected area was designated forestland, prompting a temporary halt to road construction.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses claimed that despite objections from forest guards, the BO, acting under alleged influence from an ex-Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) member with personal interests, brazenly allowed the roadwork to continue.
When questioned, the Range Officer of Pouni denied knowledge of the ongoing deforestation but admitted that the matter was within the BO’s notice.
Locals have urged the Forest Commissioner and new dispensation to intervene and ensure accountability.
“If no immediate measures are taken, the entire forest cover in the Rajouri area could face irreversible destruction,” irked locals.
