Illegal Felling of 18 Green Trees Uncovered in Gurez, Forest Officials Suspended

Bandipora | July 16 :In a significant crackdown on illegal timber smuggling, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) has seized 608.99 cft of illicitly sawn timber and unearthed the illegal felling of 18 green Kail (fir) trees in Compartment No. 30/T of the Buduab Block Forest Range in Gurez.

The operation was carried out on July 12 after specific inputs were received. The findings have exposed serious lapses in forest surveillance in the ecologically fragile and remote border region.

Following a detailed report submitted by the FPF Gamma Unit (K-08), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora ordered immediate disciplinary action. Two forest officials — Mohammad Rafiq Lone (In-Charge Block Officer) and Musa Khan (Mali) — have been placed under suspension for gross negligence and possible complicity.

The seized timber, consisting of 149 sawn pieces, was formally handed over to the two suspended officials who had endorsed the damage report, raising questions about their direct or indirect involvement.

According to Order No. 19 of DFO BAND 2025, the action has been taken under Rule 31(1) of the J&K Civil Services Regulations (CSR), Vol. I, which authorizes suspension of public servants during the course of disciplinary or criminal proceedings. The order also invokes Rules 3 and 4 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, which relate to integrity, devotion to duty, and responsible conduct.

The suspended officials have been directed to remain attached to the Office of the Range Officer, Khuihama Bandipora, and are required to mark daily attendance. They have also been barred from leaving station without permission and must be available for ongoing inquiries.

The DFO’s order also flags possible lapses by Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal, Range Officer Gurez, who is suspected of wilful inaction or supervisory failure. A separate departmental inquiry has been recommended to examine his role in the incident.

Calling the enforcement a message of accountability, the DFO Bandipora stated that the department is committed to transparency in forest protection, especially in sensitive zones like Gurez, where difficult terrain and limited personnel often pose challenges to preventing timber smuggling.

A broader departmental investigation is now underway to fix individual responsibilities and recommend systemic safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.