MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Major corruption has been exposed in the Sharda depot of the Neelum Valley Forest Department, where sixty A-grade sleepers, excluded from the recent auction, were allegedly sold illegally a few days after the auction.
According to reports, the timber was brought from Sargan Compartment Thirteen and was intentionally left out of the auction process.
Sharda depot In-Charge Muhammad Shafi and Range Officer Khawaja Ibrahim were asked about the disappearance of the wood. The Range Officer initially denied the presence of the wood in the depot.
However, when evidence was presented, he shifted his stance, claiming the wood had been placed in other auction lots.
Depot In-Charge Muhammad Shafi stated that the sleepers had been sold to local factories and that a record existed. When questioned about downgrading A-grade sleepers to B or C class and sealing them, he was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation. He later presented a tampered receipt, further intensifying suspicions of corruption.
According to the sources, no prior approval was taken for the sale of this wood, nor was this wood sold to any factory. Instead, the wood was mixed with other auction lots and handed over to a contractor.
Reports allege that the former DFO Sharda and the Forest Manager of Neelum Circle received financial benefits from the illegal transaction.
The Forest Department is expected to take action on this corruption scandal. If higher authorities are not themselves involved, they are being urged to conduct a transparent investigation and publish the findings. Otherwise, their involvement will also come under scrutiny.
On the other hand, separate reports have emerged regarding the disappearance of wood from the Kelsiri depot in the Sharda Division, and an inquiry is reportedly underway.
