Srinagar, Mar 7: The Forest Department has placed a forester under suspension for alleged dereliction of duty and suspected involvement in illegal felling of trees in Rajwar Handwara of forestm didvision Langate.
According to an official order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Tanveer Ahmad Malik, Forester and Block Officer of Behnipora Beat in Rajwar Range of Langate Forest Division, has been suspended pending a departmental enquiry.
The action follows a seizure report submitted by the Forest Protection Force (FPF) after a raid in Compartment 21 of Rajwar forest on March 5. During the operation, the FPF team detected large-scale illegal felling of Deodar and Kail trees.
Officials said timber and firewood amounting to around 410 cubic feet were seized from the spot, including nine logs measuring 207 cubic feet and about 15 quintals of firewood. The team also reported damage to a Deodar tree with an estimated standing volume of 155 cubic feet, whose timber was found missing. An illegal motor chainsaw was reportedly used in the operation.
The report further alleged that the beat staff, including the Block Officer, did not cooperate with the FPF team during the seizure operation. Malik is also accused of refusing to take custody of the seized timber despite directions from senior officers and allegedly misbehaving with officials at the site.
Authorities said the scale of damage suggests serious negligence or possible connivance by the officer responsible for protecting the forest area.
Pending the enquiry, Malik has been attached to the Forest Circle Office, Baramulla, and has been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission. The charge of Behnipora Forest Block has been assigned to the Range Officer FCR Langate as an additional responsibility until further arrangements are made. (KNS)
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