In a major enforcement action, the Forest Protection Force (FPF) has seized 608.99 cubic feet of illicitly sawn timber and discovered the illegal felling of 18 green Kail (fir) trees in Compartment No. 30/T of the Buduab Block Forest Range in Gurez.
The operation, carried out on July 12 following a specific input, exposed serious lapses in forest protection in the ecologically sensitive border region.
Acting on a report submitted by the FPF Gamma Unit (K-08), the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora has placed two forest officials under immediate suspension.
Mohammad Rafiq Lone, In-Charge Block Officer, and Musa Khan, Mali, have been held accountable for gross negligence and possible abetment in the illicit felling.
The seized timber, comprising 149 sawn pieces, was formally handed over to the duo, who endorsed the damage report—raising serious concerns about their role in the lapse.
According to the official order (No. 19 OF DFO BAND 2025) issued by the DFO Bandipora, the action has been taken under Rule 31(1) of the J&K Civil Services Regulations (CSR), Volume I, which allows suspension of government employees during disciplinary or criminal proceedings in the interest of public service.
The DFO has cited violations of Rules 3 and 4 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, which mandate integrity, devotion to duty, and conduct in line with public trust.
The suspended officials have been directed to remain attached to the Office of the Range Officer, Khuihama Bandipora, and asked to mark daily attendance. They are barred from leaving the station without written permission and are required to be available for inquiry proceedings.
The order issued by DFO Bandipora also flags possible complicity on the part of the Gurez Range Officer, Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal, noting that he may have enabled or failed to prevent the large-scale forest damage through wilful inaction or lack of supervisory control. A separate departmental inquiry has been recommended into his conduct.
The DFO Bandipora stated that the action was taken to ensure accountability and transparency in protecting forest resources, particularly in sensitive areas like Gurez, which are vulnerable to timber smuggling due to difficult terrain and low manpower.
Further investigation into the incident is underway, and departmental inquiries are expected to determine individual responsibility and suggest preventive measures. (KNS)
