AJAY SHARMA
Sunderbani (Rajouri), January 19: Despite permission being granted to cut only one Chir tree, large-scale illegal deforestation has allegedly taken place in the Gujjar Nagar area of Makol village, Sunderbani, reportedly in connivance with forest officials.
Speaking to ‘The Northlines’, a low-ranking forest official, requesting anonymity, stated that while permission may have been given for a single tree, the extensive deforestation that followed was entirely unauthorized. He alleged, “Forest officials, including Range Officer Anil Dev Singh, were aware of the illegal activity but failed to take appropriate action.”
Sources revealed that the affected area, falling under the Sunderbani forest range in the Noushera division, has suffered severe ecological damage due to unchecked tree felling by unauthorized individuals.
“Certain mischievous elements and migrants are responsible for cutting down numerous Chir trees without proper permissions,” said sources, adding that the range officer, along with a block officer and other department staff, had visited the site and witnessed the destruction but failed to take any concrete action to prevent further damage.
Sources further asserted that geo-tagged photographs and videos have surfaced, showing felled trees and unauthorized road construction within the forest.
“The pictures and videos expose the negligence of forest department officials, particularly the range officer, who is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of forests,” sources said, highlighting concerns over departmental misconduct.
It has also been alleged that heavy machinery was deployed for road construction in the forest without requisite permissions, further worsening the ecological damage.
When ‘The Northlines’ attempted to contact senior officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Noushera and the Conservator of Forests, they were unavailable for comments.
Furthermore, sources claimed that both officials have blocked calls from reporters, raising questions about their accountability.
“Blocking calls from journalists raises serious concerns. Why are senior officials avoiding accountability?” questioned a local activist, emphasizing that the deforestation, which is believed to have taken place over the last 3–4 days, demands urgent attention.
Locals have urged top-level officers, including IAS and IFS officials, to conduct an impartial investigation.
They stressed the need to hold accountable those responsible for both the deforestation and the alleged corruption.
“If senior officials fail to act decisively, this case may become yet another example of systemic corruption and neglect in forest management,” alleged sources.
When contacted, the Chief Forest Officer assured that a proper investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken.
