Forest deptt files FIR against seven residents for assaulting officials in G’bal

Ganderbal, Feb 05: The Forest Department has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against seven residents of Mamer Kangan in Ganderbal for allegedly assaulting forest officials during a plantation drive in compartment 69 of the Sindh Range. The incident occurred while the forest team was working on an 08-hectare afforestation project funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
The project, approved by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in 2022, aims to compensate for forest land diverted for the construction of the Thune to Badipathri road. Work on the plantation drive began in early February but was disrupted when the accused reportedly instigated villagers to attack the forest team with stones and sticks.
According to the official statement, the accused have been charged under sections 115(2) and 132 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, which pertain to inciting individuals to cause harm and assaulting government employees on duty.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sindh Forest Division emphasized the significance of the project for maintaining environmental balance and urged local residents to cooperate for its successful completion.
“This project is crucial for ecological restoration and environmental sustainability. We appeal to the local community to engage in constructive dialogue and support the initiative for the greater good,” the DFO stated.
The Forest Department has called for calm and cooperation to ensure the peaceful continuation of the plantation drive, which is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s green cover and ecological health. Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.