Forest Department Acts on Viral Video Alleging Deforestation in Drung Danwas Area; Timber Seized
Tangmarg, Dec 22:
The Forest Department has initiated action following the circulation of a viral video on social media alleging deforestation in the Drung Danwas forest area. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tangmarg, Feroz Chaket, took cognisance of the matter and ordered immediate verification and enforcement measures, officials said.
According to official sources, a high level committee was constituted soon after the video surfaced. Acting on the DFO’s directions, two teams were deployed—one to assess the alleged damage within the forest area and another to conduct enforcement operations in adjoining localities.
The damage assessment team carried out an on-site inspection of the affected forest stretch, documenting freshly damaged trees, identifying species, and physically verifying stumps. The team also examined access routes, tool marks, and other indicators to determine the nature and extent of the suspected illegal activity.
Simultaneously, the enforcement team recovered and seized wooden logs believed to have been illegally extracted. The seized timber has been taken into official custody and documented in accordance with established legal procedures, sources said.
Preliminary findings suggest the possible involvement of multiple individuals. Officials indicated that difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions in the higher reaches may have been exploited to carry out the alleged illegal extraction.
As a precautionary administrative step aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent inquiry, one Forest Department employee has been placed under suspension. Officials clarified that responsibility has not yet been fixed and that the investigation remains at an initial stage.
Both teams have been directed to submit signed factual reports supported by geo-tagged photographs, mapped coordinates, and specific recommendations. Further action, officials said, will be taken strictly in accordance with the law after examination of these reports.
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against two individuals under relevant sections of law in connection with the case.
Officials reiterated that the Forest Department remains committed to the protection of forest resources and to curbing timber smuggling, particularly in ecologically sensitive and high altitude areas, amid growing public concern following the viral video.