HimVani
Mandi: The forest department has reportedly finally swung into action in the wake of reports in electronic and print media about large-scale felling of precious deodar trees in the dense wildlife sanctuary of Shikari Devi in this district.
A few days back, a 40-member strong team of wildlife and forest personnel sneaked into the otherwise sleepy, steep and tough valley of Shikari Devi to take stock of the shocking scene of devastation. The forest department and the state vigilance are holding simultaneous enquiries into the devastation of forest wealth in the wildlife sanctuary where not even a single tree is otherwise allowed to be felled.
Meanwhile, two forest guards have already been suspended in this connection and proceedings are being initiated against the rage officer and block officer. The role of some big officers is also being investigated and they are currently under the scanner. In a similar case in Mandi Forest Division, a conservator of forests had been placed under suspension some time back.
Himachal Pradesh forest minister JP Nadda told HimVani that he had taken a very serious note of the massive felling in Shikari Devi and Karsog valleys, adding that no one would be spared however big he may be if found guilty. He said he would be personally monitoring the investigation.
