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Key Points

The J-K Forest Department has intensified its crackdown on timber smuggling in Bhaderwah, registering 52 cases in two months. Authorities seized 22 illegal mechanical cutters and recovered smuggled Deodar wood from sensitive forest ranges. DFO Devinder Kumar revealed round-the-clock patrolling and checkpoints to intercept illegal timber movement. The district has banned mechanical cutters to curb rapid deforestation by the timber mafia.

Key Points: J-K Forest Dept Seizes 22 Illegal Cutters in Bhaderwah Timber Mafia Crackdown

  • 52 forest offence cases registered in Bhaderwah crackdown
  • 22 illegal mechanical cutters seized in anti-smuggling ops
  • Deodar wood scants recovered from Neeru and Chiralla ranges
  • Doda district bans sale of mechanical tree-cutting tools
2 min read

J-K: Forest Department cracks down on Timber Mafia; registers 52 forest offence cases in Bhaderwah

J-K Forest Department registers 52 cases, recovers smuggled Deodar wood and bans mechanical cutters in Bhaderwah anti-logging drive.

"Our forest protection teams have remained on high alert not only during the day but also throughout the night. – Devinder Kumar, DFO Bhaderwah"

Doda, July 23

In a major crackdown on forest-related crimes, the Forest Department in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah has intensified its drive against timber smuggling and illegal logging. Over the last two months, officials have registered 52 Forest Offences Cases and seized 22 illegal mechanical cutters used for unauthorised tree felling.

In addition to the machinery, dozens of illegally smuggled Deodar wood scants were also recovered during multiple operations carried out across Neeru and Chiralla Range Forest of Bhaderwah Division. These high-value timber logs were reportedly being transported in violation of forest regulations, pointing to the continued activity of the so-called forest mafia in the region.

With environmental degradation and illegal logging posing serious ecological threats, authorities have assured that such enforcement drives will continue with full force in the coming months.

Speaking to ANI, Divisional Forest Officer Bhaderwah, Devinder Kumar, said, "Our forest protection teams have remained on high alert not only during the day but also throughout the night. Continuous day and night patrolling was carried out across sensitive forest areas to curb illegal activities. In addition, we have established temporary nakkas (checkpoints) along known smuggling routes to intercept illegal timber movement."

"Earlier, smugglers used basic tools like axes, but now they have shifted to mechanical cutters, which can fell trees in a matter of minutes. This poses a serious threat to our forest cover. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the buying and selling of mechanical cutters has been completely banned in Doda district," the DFO added.

Kumar informed, "In the last two months alone, 52 forest offence cases have been registered under various sections of the Forest Act. We have seized 22 illegally used mechanical cutters and dozens of Deodar wood scants that were being smuggled. The Forest Division Bhaderwah is fully committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against forest crimes and protecting our green cover at all costs."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good initiative but I wonder if this is enough. 52 cases in 2 months shows how widespread the problem is. The government should also focus on providing alternative livelihoods to people involved in this illegal trade. Many do it out of desperation for income.
A
Aman W
Mechanical cutters ban is a smart move! These mafias are getting too advanced. Our forests in J&K are already suffering from climate change effects, we can't afford more deforestation. Request to authorities - please involve local communities in protection too. They know the terrain best.
P
Priya S
As someone from Bhaderwah, I've seen how these smugglers operate at night. The forest department's night patrolling is much needed. But sir, please also look into corruption - some officials take bribes to turn blind eye. Strict action needed there too!
V
Vikram M
Deodar wood is so precious and these criminals are destroying our natural heritage. The seized wood should be used for public projects rather than being auctioned. Also, where is this smuggled wood going? Need to track the entire supply chain and punish the buyers too!
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Neha E
While I appreciate the crackdown, I hope the forest department is also planting new trees. Enforcement + reforestation should go hand in hand. Maybe involve school children in plantation drives to build environmental awareness from young age 🌱

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