Forest encroachments, smuggling being curbed with iron hand: Altaf

SRINAGAR: Minster for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad Wednesday said that the menace of timber smuggling and encroachment of forest land in the valley has been curbed with iron hand and measures are under way to rejuvenate the Forest cover of the state.
The Minister was addressing a press conference held at Banquet Hall, Srinagar today.
The Minister gave a detailed panorama of Forest Department and replied many queries posed by media persons.
The Minister said that by the concerted efforts of Forest department there is no complaint of any timber smuggling or encroachment of Forestland. He said during past few years, smuggling had posed a great threat to the Forests in the valley mostly in Budgam, Shopian, Langate and Ganderbal areas and the Department had seized 61vehicles and 882 horses that were involved in illicit timber smuggling during2008. The number has decreased to 24 vehicles and 290 horses during 2010-11.
The Minister said that the department has given concessions to import timber by which the sale has risen to 43 lakh cft. He said that there is no need of any license for importing timber.
Mian Altaf said that government has launched a new scheme named CAMPA under which the deforested areas is being channelled, fenced and afforested to augment forest cover. He said department has adopted traditional plantation drive and for the first time new nurseries of Deodar , Kail are being developed in which 30 lakh saplings are raised by the department and likewise 6 lakh same saplings are being provided to farmers for plantation this year.
Referring to the supply of timber to consumers, the Minister said that there is a target to supply 13 lakh Cft during current financial year while during last three years, department had distributed9.98 lakh Cft, 10.59 lakh Cft and 11.49 lakh Cft with fair and transparent manner among the bonafide consumers through 662 forest timber sale depots. Mr. Altaf, however, clarified that the inaccessible areas lacking connectivity and sale depot facility, timber is being provided directly from the forests out of dry and fallen trees.
Referring to the man-animal conflict, the Minister said that all possible efforts are being made to lessen such incidents in future, however, he stressed for more public awareness in this behalf.
Responding to the question regarding fire wood supply to mosques, the Minister said that process of supply is going good as per past practice.
The Minister said that the government has started work on eco-tourism under which various scenic and beautiful places in forest areas are being developed without any harm to ecology and environment. He said Dehra Ki Gali in Poonch, Bungus in Kupwara, Bhaderwah and various sites along Mughal Road area are being developed in first instance.
Among others who were present on the occasion include Commissioner/Secretary Forests, Mr. Shantamanu, PCCF, Mr. R.D. Tiwari, PCCF (Director Forest Protection), Mr. Vinod Ranjan, CCF Kashmir, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Khan besides officers of forest department and media persons.