New forest royalty formula rejected

CHITRAL: The Joint Forest Management Committee has rejected the new forest royalty formula introduced by the district administration.

Speaking at a press conference, the committee representatives warned of launching a protest campaign if the verification process was not stopped within 10 days.

They warned of halting supply of fuel wood and construction wood to other parts of the district. However, locals on the social media have appreciated the administration action. The social media users have been critical of the timber traders.

The social media users alleged that billions of rupees corruption had been committed in the timber sector.

They said if the former royalty distribution mechanism was appropriate, then the JFMC should present the record to the officials.

They also demanded displaying the record in local mosques so that common people were informed of the benefits of the old mechanism. The social media users consider the verification as a proper method and a threat to the monopoly of the timber mafia.