Illicit Timber, 3 Horses Seized In Rafiabad Forest Range

SRINAGAR: The forest department seized a large quantity of illicit timber and at least three horses over the past several days in Rafiabad area of Baramulla district.

DFO Divisional Forest Officer Langate, Ab Hamid Malla told that there are attempts being made by culprits to chop down green trees, axe-fashion them into sleepers and deliver them to consumers during night hours.

However the department has established a very good network of information in rural as well as town areas and timely strikes are being carried out to thwart such attempts. We have achieved good success at this front, he said.

Detailing on the latest seizure, the officer said that during intervening night of August 26, 2021, a party consisting of Forest control Room Langate was deputed for operation after receiving input about illicit timber movement.

The party intercepted horses loaded with illicit timber at Dogripora Rafiabad (Forest Block Dalri)and seized Deodar (sawn/fresh) 6no’s=12 cfts alongwith three horses during night hours, he said adding the timber and horses were instantly taken into departmental custody.

The anti-smuggling operations will continue and anyone found involved would be booked and prosecuted under the provisions of Indian Forest Act, he further said. (GNS)