Illegal joinery mills in Bandipora accused of running timber smuggling trade
Bandipora, Apr 19 : Dozens of joinery mills are operating without licenses in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district with concerned authorities turning a blind eye towards the issue.
The KNO has learnt that several joinery mills have been found illegally operating in villages which are close to the forested areas where according to people, illegal timber trade occurs regularly.
Meanwhile, the local residents alleged that Forest Department officials are hand in glove in allowing illegal joineries run their operations.
They also alleged that the timber smugglers chop off green trees in broad daylight and ferry them for sale to these joinery mills.
They demanded that the higher authorities should act to stop this illegal trade.
Repeated attempts to contact concerned officials could not materialize—(KNO)
