SRINAGAR: The Forest Department has taken action against three habitual timber smugglers in Kupwara district, booking them under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their repeated involvement in illegal timber smuggling.
The orders were issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, based on recommendations from the Divisional Forest Officer, Kamraj Forest Division. Authorities stated that the offenders were consistently engaged in activities that not only endangered the region’s ecological balance but also posed a serious threat to public order.
Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, stated that the action sends a clear and firm message to those involved in forest crimes. “The Forest Department, in close coordination with the district administrations of Kupwara and Baramulla, remains committed to protecting our green assets. We will not hesitate to act against those who damage our forests,” he said.
The Forest Department has also appealed to the public to support its conservation efforts by reporting any suspicious or unlawful activity to the nearest forest office.
