Aqzar Raheel
G’bal| Oct, 26 : In a joint operation, the Forest Department Ganderbal, under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Iqbal Rasool Dar, IFS, in coordination with Police Gund, seized 34 cubic feet of illegally felled Fir (Abies pindrow) from Compartment No. 41 of the Sindh Forest Range on Sunday.
The operation was launched following credible inputs received by the Range Officer, Sindh, around 11 a.m. about illegal timber dragging by unidentified persons. Acting promptly, the Block Forest Officer, Gund Forest Block, along with the beat staff, verified the information and initiated action under the Indian Forest Act.
Upon reaching the spot, the forest team was joined by personnel from Police Station Gund, leading to the recovery of 34 CFT of illicit timber. Preliminary investigation indicated that the accused had illegally converted a dry standing Fir tree for extraction purposes.
A case under FIR No. 41/2025 has been registered at Police Station Gund. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the culprits involved.
Commending the coordination between forest and police personnel, DFO Ganderbal Iqbal Rasool Dar said that strict and uncompromising action would be taken against those involved in forest offences.
“Illegal extraction will not be tolerated at any cost. We are intensifying field surveillance and ensuring every offender faces legal consequences,” he said.
The department reiterated its commitment to safeguarding forest wealth, strengthening enforcement, and maintaining close coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal logging across the district.
