“DFO Ganderbal says, will Deploy FPF Team for On-Spot Verification”
Ganderbal: A number of timber logs were recently spotted in the Chattergul forests without any official markings, prompting the Forest Department to begin verification to ascertain their status.
According to locals, the logs carry no saw marks, no Forest Department (FD) markings, and no SFC/Cooperative markings, which are normally used to identify timber. This has led to genuine questions about whether the timber is part of departmental stock, naturally fallen wood, or otherwise.
Some residents said that if the logs are old or naturally fallen, they should have been marked by the department as per standard procedure.“Without any marking, it is difficult to say whether the timber is legal or illegal. Even departmental timber meant for sale should carry proper markings,” they added.
DFO Ganderbal said that a Forest Protection Force (FPF) team will be deputed to the location to assess the situation.
The team will verify whether the logs belong to the department, are naturally fallen, or require further investigation.
He assured that necessary action will be taken once the facts are established.
