Ajay Sharma
Reasi, February 18
An alleged unholy nexus between contractors and certain Forest Department officials has led to large-scale illegal felling of Khair trees in Reasi district, raising serious concerns over enforcement and oversight.
According to a whistleblower, some contractors and officials have allegedly colluded to exceed permitted limits and facilitate the smuggling of valuable timber from protected areas.
“Khair, a protected species often called green gold because of its high commercial value for timber and kattha extraction, remains strictly regulated in Jammu and Kashmir,” the whistleblower said, adding that felling is prohibited on state land without explicit permission and, even on private land, is governed by the Khair Management Plan and Supreme Court guidelines.
The whistleblower claimed that contractors in areas such as Riyala Khalsa, Sungal, Tanua, Gajot, and adjoining villages in the Pouni Range are reportedly permitted to fell around 100 trees under approved permits but are actually cutting 300–400 or more.
“Contractors allegedly offer extra payments to locals or associations to keep quiet, while also seeking assurances that details are not leaked to the media,” the whistleblower said. He further alleged that a vehicle loaded with Khair logs, bearing prominent “Press Media” markings on the front and rear, was used by persons posing as journalists to facilitate or shield illicit transport.
He added that even Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has described some media personnel as “blackmailers” who misuse credentials for extortion.
“The vehicle was reportedly seized by the Forest Department, but questions remain about follow-up inquiries into the owners, drivers, and other involved persons,” the whistleblower said, alleging that a deeper nexus involving department personnel is evident.
He further alleged that Rangers and Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) often issue verbal assurances of strict monitoring — such as deploying staff to prevent excess cutting — but fail to ensure enforcement on the ground.
“Two officers, including one earlier posted in Pouni, have been attached to Reasi following previous probes into irregularities in areas like Gajot, Sungal, and Tanua, where state land was allegedly depleted,” the whistleblower said, calling for immediate intervention by the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and senior forest authorities through spot verification, contractor land seizures, and strict penalties to deter violations.
He emphasised that without firm and sustained enforcement, illegal felling is likely to continue despite temporary slowdowns after high-level orders.
