Aaqib Rasool
Ganderbal, 07 January (KNZ):The Forest Department seized a vehicle carrying illegally transported timber during a late-night naka/checking operation at Wussan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday.
Officials said that acting on specific and reliable information, Ganderbal Police,territorial staff of the Forest Department, along with the Forest Protection Force (FPF), intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number JK-16B-4440 at around 10:00PM
On inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with Kail timber logs without any valid permit or legal authority. A joint seizure was carried out on the spot in coordination with the Ganderbal Police, in accordance with established procedures.
The seized forest produce included Kail logs measuring approximately 63 cubic feet, along with the vehicle involved in the offence.
Divisional Forest Officer, Ganderbal, Iqbal Rasool Dar (IFS), said that strict and tough action would be taken against those involved in illegal forest activities. He added that the seizure was made in close coordination with the Ganderbal Police and reiterated that such operations would continue to curb illegal extraction and transportation of forest produce.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and destination of the timber and to identify the persons involved. Legal action will be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act, 1927, and the rules framed thereunder.KNZ
