Sopore, Mar 07 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has placed a forester posted in Langate Forest Division under suspension over alleged dereliction of duty and involvement in illegal felling of trees in Kupwara district.
According to an official order issued by the Office of the Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle Sopore, Forester (Block Officer) Tanveer Ahmad Malik, posted at Behnipora Beat of Rajwar Range, Langate Forest Division, has been suspended with immediate effect pending a regular departmental enquiry.
Officials said the action follows a seizure report submitted by the Forest Protection Force (FPF), which detected large-scale illicit felling and damage to Deodar and Kail trees in Compartment 21 of Rajwar forest area in Behnipora block.
During the operation conducted on March 5, the FPF party reportedly seized timber and firewood amounting to around 410 cubic feet, including nine logs measuring 207 cubic feet and about 15 quintals of firewood. The report also noted the damage of a Deodar tree with an estimated standing volume of around 155 cubic feet, whose timber was found missing from the site. An illegal motor chainsaw was also reportedly used in the commission of the offence.
The order states that preliminary findings indicated alleged connivance, failure to prevent or report the illicit activity, and non-cooperation with the Forest Protection Force during the seizure operation. The forester has also been accused of misbehaving with a senior officer, refusing to take custody of seized timber despite instructions, and allegedly intimidating local residents to prevent them from cooperating with officials.
Officials further said that during the suspension period, the officer will remain attached to the Forest Control Room (FCR), Baramulla, J.V. Forest Division, and will not leave headquarters without prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer.
Meanwhile, the charge of the Behnipora Forest Block has been handed over to the Range Officer FCR, Langate Forest Division, in addition to his existing duties until further arrangements are made.
Authorities said the suspension has been ordered to ensure a fair and impartial departmental enquiry into the allegations.(KNC)