Rampant cutting of walnut trees from South Kashmir

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag October 14: In brazen violation of norms, illegal cutting of walnut trees is being frequently reported from various parts of the Anantnag district.

There is a blanket ban on cutting and felling of walnut trees and the permission for the same is to be sought from the Divisional Commissioner, who can provide such permission in rare cases, if the growth of a tree can endanger or risk the life or property.

The authorities have already passed strict orders and a person found involved in cutting a walnut tree can end up in jail with a punishment of six months in the lockup.

However, the practice is going unchecked in many rural areas, and in many instances, the authorities are turning a blind eye.

According to sources, a contractor dealing with wood has chopped a walnut tree illegally at Hakura Anantnag. Sources said that the contractor was cutting down the tree in broad daylight breaking the law with impunity using portable chainsaws and other equipment to fell the tree.

Sources said that they were cutting down the tree next to the Naib Tehsildars Office at Hakura Anantnag but the concerned officials turned a blind eye despite being present in the office. The practice is going unchecked in many rural areas, and in many instances where the authorities are glossing over sources said.

The chopping down of certain species of trees including Walnut, Mulberry, and Chinar is a punishable offence under the Preservation of Specified Trees Act 1969 in the state.

Meanwhile, talking to Arising state SDM Dooru Gh Rasool said that we had permitted cutting of a single branch of the tree after a resident of the village had applied for permission of a branch of the tree, for safety purposes. ‘We have permitted them for cutting one branch, but unfortunately, they have chopped the full tree without any permission’, the SDM said.

The SDM has assured stern action against the violators.