By Haroon Siraj
Swat: District administration has recovered and confiscated 108 sleepers while timber smuggler has been arrested in a operation against timber mafia at Takht Banda Branvi Madyan area of Tehsil Bahrain. According to the available details, A team of Swat Levies led by Assistant Commissioner Bahrain conducted the operation early in the morning.
Forrester and the Forest Guard reportedly arrived before Levies’ team and alerted the smugglers, who managed to flee the scene and one was arrested. In the wake of the incident, orders have been issued to register FIRs against smugglers, forester and forest guard.
It may be recalled that a secret report was shared about the presence of timber mafia in Takht Banda Madyan within the limits of Kalam Forest Division and it was reported that smuggling was going on through alleged involvement of the forester and forest guard of the area.
The timber sleepers were housed in seven different houses. Commissioner Malakand Division while expressing concern over the smuggling incident said that those involved in deforestation and smuggling would be dealt with iron hands. He said that if any official of the forest department, even the district forest officer, was found guilty of negligence or involvement, stern action would be taken in this regard.
Shaukat Ali Yousafzai said that forests and wildlife are not only the identity of Malakand Division but it also strengthens the natural environment and can combat climate change. He further went on saying that we will increase the forests and ensure the elimination of the factors that reduce it.
