MANSEHRA: The district administration on Tuesday launched a crackdown against deforestation and timber smuggling and demolished four saw machines operating illegally in Kaghan valley and other parts of Balakot tehsil.
“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered strict action against deforestation and timber smuggling, which are damaging the environment,” Hasrat Khan, assistant commissioner of Balakot, told reporters.
A team comprising officials of the Kaghan Forest Division and police, led by the assistant commissioner, paid surprise visits to the Kaghan valley and other parts of Balakot tehsil, and confiscated a huge quantity of timber allegedly cut illegally from forests for smuggling to other parts of the country. The team inspected saw machines in the Paras and Nori areas of Kaghan valley and grounded four of them that were operating illegally and involved in cutting smuggled timber.
Owners of machines operating with proper licences were also warned to abide by the law and refrain from any activity promoting deforestation and timber smuggling in the tehsil. “If you are found involved in any illegal activity that facilitates timber smuggling, you will be brought to justice under relevant laws, besides having your machines completely sealed,” he warned.
“The government imposed a ban on deforestation and transportation of timber after coming to power and has now directed authorities to launch crackdowns against those involved in environmental degradation,” he added.
