Langate,Jul,21:The Forest Division of Langate is witnessing a distressing environmental crisis as the growing cover of young saplings often referred to as "green gold" is being systematically destroyed by unknown miscreants. The saplings, now at their final stage of growth, have been targeted alongside mature trees, causing serious ecological concern in the area.
According to reports, dozens of fully grown trees have been illegally axed, while the bark of many others has been deliberately damaged in Compartment No. 1/2 in Rajwar and Compartment No. 1/A Mawar in Gund Chobtara block of Qaziabad. Hundreds of young saplings, the future green canopy of the region, have also been cut down mercilessly.
Local sources have alleged that this destruction is a result of gross negligence by concerned forest officials. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from across the region. Officials from district administration, police, and civil departments, as well as civil society organizations from Kashmir Division, have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a brutal attack on the region's fragile environment.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Shaikh Owais, a local Ph.D research scholar, termed the situation in Qaziabad forests as "alarming." He emphasized the urgent need for public awareness, saying, “People must understand the long-term damage caused by deforestation. Climate change and rising heatwaves are deeply linked to such environmental destruction. Protecting these green siblings is essential for our future generations.”
In response to public outcry, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate stated while talking to Headlines Today that an official team has been constituted to conduct a ground-level assessment in Rajwar and Qaziabad. “Once the report is submitted, we will take strict action against the miscreants and any negligent officials involved, in accordance with the Forest Act and Government service rules,” he said.
The DFO further appealed to local civil society members, social activists, and educated citizens to cooperate with the department in identifying the culprits. He added, “It is not just the department’s duty — it is a collective responsibility to promote afforestation and raise awareness about the serious consequences of deforestation.” The Forest Division has also registered formal cases regarding the incidents at both Rajwar and Mawar.
Meanwhile, Civil Society Forum Kashmir has demanded immediate and strict action against those responsible, and has called for clear accountability of forest officials in Langate Division.
The incident has once again brought to the forefront the urgent need for better forest protection, stronger community engagement, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws to safeguard Kashmir’s invaluable green wealth.
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