Over 72 Khair Trees Felled in Reasi; Officials Accused of Apathy or Collusion

Ajay Sharma

Reasi, February 25

In a naked exposition of corruption and bureaucratic dormancy, more than six dozen trees of Khair have been allegedly cut down illegally in Pouni Range of Reasi Forest Division, wherein the concerned authorities appeared either in deep slumber or potentially partner in crime.

In a glaring case of alleged forest loot and administrative inertia, more than six dozen Khair trees have reportedly been felled illegally in the Pouni Range of Reasi Forest Division, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability within the department.

A local whistleblower claimed that over 72 mature Khair trees were cut, yet no forest official has visited the site despite repeated alerts from residents. “From forest guards to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), no one deemed it necessary to inspect the spot or halt the felling. The silence suggests either gross negligence or tacit support,” the whistleblower alleged.

According to him, the trees—each measuring approximately 4.5 to 5 feet in diameter—were cut in broad daylight using electric cutters. He further stated that the stumps bore no official hammer marks or permit details, indicating the absence of lawful sanction and pointing toward organized timber smuggling.

Khair, often referred to as “green gold” due to its high commercial value, is protected under forest regulations and Supreme Court guidelines. Felling on state land requires explicit approval and is subject to strict monitoring. Based on local market estimates of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per tree, the total economic loss is pegged at nearly Rs 1.4 crore.

The whistleblower alleged that timber was transported by trucks without interception and accused officials—from the Range Office in Pouni to senior authorities in Reasi—of turning a blind eye. He claimed locals are reluctant to speak on record, citing fear of reprisals and alleged political patronage shielding those involved.

Residents reportedly informed the department in advance, but no preventive action followed, despite the Range Office being located near the affected site. The whistleblower has demanded intervention by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), alleging that knowledge of the incident extends “from guard to commissioner secretary,” yet remains unaddressed.

While an internal inquiry is said to have been initiated under an officer identified as Satpal, skepticism persists among locals regarding its outcome. The whistleblower has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary for immediate spot verification and time-bound accountability to prevent further depletion of forest resources in the division.