Ajay Sharma
Reasi, February 4
Large-scale illegal felling of Khair trees in the Pouni Range of Reasi Forest Division has apparently exposed the authorities.
Field report by The Northlines revealed freshly cut stumps of Khair trees were concealed under soil and leaves.
Talking to this reporter, locals accused forest officials of complicity in the theft, estimating that at least 50 to 60 trees have been unlawfully chopped down in the Sandoor Gajod area of Block Pouni.
“You see these are the Khair trees, who has stolen? Until the forest employee is not in the middle, no one has the courage to cut the Khair trees,” said locals, adding that fresh cuts on trees with no official markings or sanctions is certainly a deliberate cover-up.
They said that soil has been applied on it so that it can be camouflaged.
“The stumps were buried or hidden with foliage to evade detection. The area in question straddles forest and state land, raising questions about demarcation and oversight by the Revenue Department,” shared locals.
Locals said that in the past three officers—including a range officer, block officer, and guard—were suspended last year over Khair-related corruption in the same division.
They demanded immediate intervention from higher authorities, including the Principal Secretary of Forests, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and the District Commissioner of Reasi.
“What more evidence do you want?” locals questioned, implying that inaction could point to involvement at senior levels.
They called for a complete halt to Khair cutting permissions in the Kothiyan Panchayat area to prevent further financial losses to the government, estimated in crores.
