MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Kashmir Forest Department has increased the tax on different woods for those living in and around the forest.
In a notification issued on Wednesday, the forest department hiked the landowner, standard, and concessional rates of different types of woods across Azad Kashmir used for private construction with immediate effect.
The rates were hiked under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Forest Regulation Act Amendment Act 2017 after 17 years, the order read.
Those living in the vicinity of forests in Azad Kashmir will have to pay an additional amount for obtaining timber from the adjoining forest for private construction purposes.
As per new rates, the landowner rates have been fixed for Deodar, Kail, Farr, and Cheel at Rs 300, Rs150, Rs100, and Rs100 per cubic foot, respectively.
Simialry, Deodar has been fixed at Rs60 per cubic foot for standard rates, while Kail and Farr wood will cost Rs300, and Cheel will cost Rs200.
The increase in rates has prompted the local public to protest against the cruel tax for obtaining wood for private construction.
Public and civil society representatives have demanded the withdrawal of the order of the Forest Department regarding the hike in forest tax.
The public warned of a massive protest if the forest tax order was not withdrawn.
