Jammu, July 20 -- Despite repeated claims by successive governments of curbing the unauthorised felling of trees, the alleged large-scale cutting of valuable Khair trees in the forests of Jammu has raised questions over the effectiveness of the forest protection mechanism.
According to local sources, Khair trees-regarded as valuable forest wealth-are allegedly being felled regularly and transported in vehicles during both daytime and night. The alleged activity has raised questions over how such transportation could continue without being detected by the concerned authorities.
A whistleblower claimed that he had brought the matter to the notice of the Forest Minister, who initially assured him that the issue would be looked into. However,...