Cases registered against illegal forest cutting in Bajaur

KHAR: The officials of District Forest Department said on Monday that they registered first information reports (FIRs) against those involved in illegal cutting of forest and timber smuggling.

They said that fines had also been imposed on the accused and legal action was taken against them as well.The officials urged the people to report any incidents of illegal forest cutting directly to the District Forest Department office.

Earlier, residents of Ghar Shemozai had complained against the cutting of valuable trees in their area in Bajaur tribal district.They had informed media representatives that large-scale smuggling of olive and other precious trees was taking place from the mountains of Barang tehsil, particularly on the Bosak side.

They alleged that the officials of the District Forest Department had turned a blind eye towards the issue and failed to take any action.The local people had appealed to the relevant officials to take immediate action against the illegal deforestation in the district.