Forest Department seizes illicit timber in Shopian

SHOPIAN — Taking advantage of the ongoing lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, timber smugglers in Kashmir are having a field day.

For the past two months, there has been rampant felling of pine trees in different forest ranges, particularly in south Kashmir.

After receiving specific information about the timber being smuggled from Shopian Forest Range to Romshi Forest Range, a forest team led by Range Officer Romshi conducted searches and traced smuggled timber including 7 sleepers. “A formal FIR has been lodged in this regard.”

Range Officer, Romshi Range while applauding the efforts of forest officials working even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic said that it was indeed a commendable job done by team of Romshi Range Shopian Forest Division, which has sent a clear message to timber smugglers that they won’t be spared for their illegal acts.