Pulwama,09-Dec; The nexus between timber smugglers and forest officials is fast turning several forest compartments of Pulwama into barren open fields, while locals alleging that action is not being taken despite presenting solid evidence against the officials.As per reports to with the connivance of officers, employees and smugglers, complete clearing of forests is going on while land is being sold for construction activities at high prices. Local people said that from Compartment RI 23 ABC and Compartment 24 ABC, Looting of green gold is going on day and night and government vehicles are being used to transport wood from these compartments to the plains, while a special Tata mobile is being used to transport supply to Band saw mills from Sangerwani forests.The locals revealed that a resident of Sangerwani, Mohd shafi built a two-storied house in the forest land. Alleging, that the forest employees received lakhs of rupees from the same resident for the construction, accordingly after which the employees continued to stay ahead until the construction of the house was done.They also accused Range Officer, Rumshi Range Pulwama and Forester Sangerwani of being involved in the looting of forests, saying that they have so far collected crores of rupees Received from the smugglers.
