HAVELI KAHUTA (Kashmir English): The government has initiated action against construction on forest land in Azad Kashmir.
An illegal house constructed on forest land in the Bhedi area of Haveli Kahuta Union Council has been demolished in the action.
The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Revenue Department and the police, during which strict security arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incident.
Range Officer Shafiq Kayani stated in an interview that the Forest Department had received a complaint about this illegal construction through social media, upon which a team was immediately formed and action was taken on site.
He said that the Forest Department will not tolerate any illegal activity on its lands, whether it is construction or encroachment.
Shafiq Kayani urged the public to cooperate with the Forest Department and play their part in protecting forest lands.
He emphasized that cutting green trees is a legal offence, and only the use of dry wood is permitted. In case of violation, legal action will be taken against those responsible.
The Range Officer also praised the environmental initiatives of local teacher Usman, who has promoted tree plantation campaigns and water storage systems in the area.
Encroachment on forest land
It is worth noting that houses have been constructed by encroaching on forest land across Azad Kashmir, while on the other hand, the region is facing severe climatic changes due to deforestation.
