TNR News Network
Rehan
Serious irregularities have once again surfaced in the Nurpur Forest Division, this time in the Gurial beat of Jawali Range. Reports of khair trees being uprooted illegally, timber lifted without proper authorization, and wood found at a contractor’s dump without property marks have raised sharp questions over the functioning and accountability of the forest department.
According to sources, several khair trees were uprooted from the area. When a team reached the spot, timber was being loaded onto a vehicle. On inquiry, the contractor’s staff claimed the loading was being done on the instructions of the forest guard. Shockingly, no valid permit was available at the site.
Block Officer Jeevan later inspected the vehicle and the site where the trees had been cut. While the trees were reportedly from private land, the key question remains: why was timber being moved without written permission, and on whose authority?
The forest guard initially failed to provide a clear explanation. He later stated that damage reports had been prepared and the timber was kept at the contractor’s dump. However, inspection revealed that the khair wood and heartwood stored there bore no property marks, which are mandatory under forest rules. Moreover, indications suggested that more trees had been uprooted than permitted.
The absence of property marks, unauthorized timber movement, and excess felling have deepened suspicions of negligence or possible collusion at the departmental level. The role of the forest guard, whose primary duty is to prevent illegal felling and safeguard forest wealth, has come under serious scrutiny.
This is not the first time such irregularities have been reported in the Nurpur Forest Division. Previous incidents of illegal tree cutting have already dented the department’s credibility. The latest revelations from Gurial beat now intensify concerns over transparency and accountability.
Attempts to contact Divisional Forest Officer Sandeep Kohli for an official response were unsuccessful. The matter now hinges on whether the department conducts a fair investigation and takes strict action against those responsible. Failure to act decisively could further erode public trust and compromise the protection of valuable forest resources.
