Concerns Rise Over Illegal Timber Activities in Nurpur Forest Division

Irregularities in Gurial Beat of Jawali Range

By Rehan

Recent reports have highlighted alarming irregularities in the Nurpur Forest Division, particularly within the Gurial beat of the Jawali Range. Allegations of illegal uprooting of khair trees, unauthorized timber removal, and unmarked wood found at a contractor's site have raised significant concerns regarding the accountability of the forest department.

Sources indicate that multiple khair trees were removed from the region. When a team arrived at the scene, they discovered timber being loaded onto a vehicle. Upon questioning, the contractor's personnel claimed they were acting under the forest guard's orders. Alarmingly, no valid permits were present at the location.

Block Officer Jeevan later examined the vehicle and the area where the trees had been felled. Although the trees were said to originate from private land, a critical question remains: why was timber being transported without written authorization, and who granted this permission?

Initially, the forest guard could not provide a satisfactory explanation. He later mentioned that damage reports had been filed and the timber was stored at the contractor's site. However, an inspection revealed that the khair wood and heartwood lacked the required property markings, which are essential according to forest regulations. Furthermore, evidence suggested that more trees had been cut down than allowed.

The lack of property markings, unauthorized timber movement, and excessive felling have raised suspicions of negligence or potential collusion within the department. The forest guard's role, whose primary responsibility is to prevent illegal logging and protect forest resources, is now under intense scrutiny.

This incident is not an isolated case; previous reports of illegal logging in the Nurpur Forest Division have already tarnished the department's reputation. The latest findings from the Gurial beat heighten concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

Efforts to reach Divisional Forest Officer Sandeep Kohli for an official comment were unsuccessful. The situation now depends on whether the department will conduct a thorough investigation and impose strict penalties on those involved. A lack of decisive action could further diminish public confidence and jeopardize the safeguarding of vital forest resources.