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| Chinar & walnut trees being axed , timber smuggling on | | Taking undue advantage of Hartals, Curfew ? | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 17: As Kashmir valley continues to simmer due to ongoing unrest which entered 10th day today , some criminal and unscrupulous elements are having a field day as they are busy with axing of chinar trees and walnut trees , taking up illegal constructions and smuggling of timber smuggling from several forest areas across Kashmir valley. Details available with Early Times reveal that cases of axing of walnut & chinar trees has increased manifold from last 10 days when the unrest started in Kashmir valley aftermath of killing of HM Militant Burhan Wani in South Kashmir's Anantnag district. Sources told Early Times that in several parts of valley chinar and walnut trees have been axed down which otherwise is completely banned. It is also reported that timber smuggling in forest areas which had been almost controlled has again started especially in upper reaches of Kulgam , Shopian and Budgam districts. As already reported illegal constructions is going on inside Dal lake and other parts of Srinagar , Budgam and Ganderbal districts as well.
The majestic Chinar which is the identity of Kashmir is being felled at an alarming rate across Kashmir valley from last several years. The authorities as per authentic information available with Early Times has given as many as 80 permissions in Srinagar and 78 permissions in Kulgam district alone for axing / pruning of these mighty trees. It is said that under the garb of getting permission from authorities for pruning / looping of Chinar trees , the unscrupulous elements cut down the tree completely except retaining its trunk. As per information available in Tehsil Beerwah of Budgam district alone as many as 27 mighty Chinar trees have been axed from last 10 years.
" It is estimated that during last ten years as many as 400 plus chinar trees have been axed across different districts of Kashmir valley that too with the official permission. There are many cases wherein official permission was not sought " says Dr Asif a researcher who is working on Chinars
The tree, whose leaves shield the raging sun in summers, turn crimson on the onset of fall. And this augments an aesthetic pleasure of the valley. But last few decades have witnessed considerable decline in its number owing to growing impertinence of people and authorities.
From last 10 days alone sources say that as many as 200 walnut trees have also been axed in Anantnag , Kulgam , Shopian , Budgam , Baramulla and Kupwara districts alone.
It is reported that timber smuggling has also picked up as Forest department officers are not able to attend their duties. Sources say that lower rung officials like Forest Guards and Foresters are giving free hand to timber smugglers in Doodh Ganga , Raithan and Sukh Nag ranges of Pir Panchal division .
Sources say that only a few days back a mighty chinar was looped at Kralpora Budgam that too with the permission of authorities. Earlier the permission was not given , it was only when unrest began and local administration decided to axe this chinar which is said to be more than 300 years of age. Pertinent to mention that early this year one more chinar was completely axed in same village with the permission of Tehsildar of Chadoora |
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