Srinagar: Illegal tree felling is continuing unchecked in South Kashmir’s Shopian district, sparking serious questions over the role of the departments responsible for protecting the region’s green cover.
Fresh visuals have surfaced from near Sukh Sarai along the historic Mughal Road, close to the tourist spot Dubjan, showing large trees cut down in an area under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Department. Locals allege that despite protection staff being deployed, timber smugglers are operating openly in broad daylight.
A GNS team visiting the site found fresh stumps of felled trees scattered across the area. No forest or wildlife officials were present on the ground at the time. Residents are questioning how such large-scale logging could take place without the knowledge of the staff, and some suspect that officials may even be complicit.
When contacted, the Wildlife Range Officer in Shopian and other concerned officials had no clear explanation. They simply said, “We will take action.” Locals argue that such action is meaningless once the timber has already been cut and transported.
People in the area have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take serious note of the matter, identify those involved, including any officials, and ensure strict legal action is taken.
The Forest Department claims to have planted over 1.5 crore saplings in 2024–25 under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign. Locals, however, are asking who will protect these trees once they grow. (GNS)
