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| 200-year-old trees fell down | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 24: The residents of Karan Nagar Forest area have expressed strong resentment and outrage over the recent incident of illegal felling of 200-year-old trees in the area claiming that destruction of these ancient trees has led to severe consequences, including soil erosion and landslides, causing damage to residential houses and putting the VIP road in the area at risk.
Locals have alleged that some individuals, in collusion with officials from the concerned department, cut down these ancient trees, which served as a protective barrier against soil erosion. The residents are demanding a high-level probe into the incident to punish those involved in this act.The residents have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order a thorough investigation into the incident and take strict action against those responsible.
While talking to one of victim, Kiran Wattal a former JMC Commissioner, who has suffered a loss of nearly ?15 lakh to his house and property said they have lodged an FIR in this regard with the Station House Officer, Police Station Pacca Danga, Jammu and said the destruction of the ancient trees has had a devastating impact on the residents of the area. The soil erosion and landslides caused by the felling of the trees have damaged residential houses and put the VIP road at risk. He demanded that action be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.He called for accountability and action against those responsible for the destruction of the ancient trees. He demanded that the authorities take strict action against those involved in the illegal felling of trees and work to prevent such incidents in the future.
Another victim quoted Supreme Court's recent remarks on sustainable development and the need to protect forests which are particularly relevant in this context. A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation. The court cautioned against the use of bulldozers to clear forests, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to development that prioritizes environmental protection.
Most of the victims appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order a thorough investigation into the incident asking authorities to take befitting action against those involved in the illegal felling of trees, including any officials who may have colluded with the perpetrators. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and greater accountability among government agencies responsible for forest conservation, they said.
They maintained that the consequences of inaction would be severe, with the potential for further environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a right to demand that their natural heritage be protected, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that this happens.
They said Green belts play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of urbanization. The illegal felling of trees in such areas can have far-reaching consequences, including loss of habitat, increased pollution, and heightened risk of natural disasters, they said .
By lodging the FIR, they have demanded that the authorities take immediate action against those involved in the illegal activity. This move is expected to prompt a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.The incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and greater vigilance in protecting green spaces. It also highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts and the role of Karan Nagar residents is highly appreciable in holding authorities accountable for environmental protection.
It deserves mentioning here that in the FIR it has been alleged that Eastern Side a Green Belt fully covered with dense trees and this Green Belt of 30 feet in width was kept for expansion of existing Raj Bhawan Road. In the site plan attached to the complainant's Sale Deed, there is specific reference of said Green Belt towards the Eastern Side and looking into this green area, the complainant had chosen to purchase the land.
The FIR further states that without resorting to mandate of law, a group of land mafia indulged in cutting of 100 of trees and the complainants had reliably learnt that the land beyond 30 feet set back (Green Belt) was given through Power of Attorney to Shashi Bhushan Dubey S/o Nek Ram, R/o Flat No.293, Asiad Village, New Delhi-49 at present 61-C/D, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Complainants further said that a big fraud has been played during broad day light, as an organized land mafia indulged in bulk cutting of Old Royal Trees thereby disturbing the ecological balance of the entire area including Raj Bhawan, Karan Nagar, Ramnagar, Manda, Panjtirthi etc. The complainants further submitted that after causing damage to the Green Belt, the sign boards of Hari Tara Charitable Trust are installed with one illegal gate and the role played by the officer bearers of the said trust at the behest of their trustees needs to be investigated. |
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