KUPWARA; 19, April 2013: In a brazen violation to the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act 1969, the administration of Degree College Kupwara has allegedly chopped many walnut and mulberry trees in the college premises without getting any approval from the concerned authorities.
Sources reveal that the college administration had chopped 10 walnut trees and five mulberry trees on April 13, in order to construct the playground which otherwise is strictly prohibited by law and have hidden the remains under the deep trench to remain out of the eyes of enforcing agencies. “They (College administration) have axed many walnut trees in the college ground as there were intended to enlarge the playground. There were as many as 10 walnut trees and five mulberries trees and later they hide it in a deep pit,” they said.

He said that after getting the information, the Tehsildar accompanied by his team raided the college and a huge quantity of wood was ceased. “The Tehsildar arrived at 11 am and found a huge quantity of wood which was later ceased,” the source said.
While the wood has been ceased, but the authorities are yet to take serious action against the college administration for which the political pressure is believed to be one of the reason.
However the Principal Degree College Kupwara, Prof. Muhammad Ashraf said that these tress were axed long before and he had removed the remains including roots from the soil for the demarcation of ground.
“I have joined the college only few days ago and as the college was lacking space for the ground, we have removed the roots from the soil only. There we need to construct bathrooms for the students,” he said.
When contacted Tehsildar, Kupwara Hilal Ahmad said that they are investigating the case and are ascertaining whether they have sought any permission from the concerned authorities. “The enquiry is going on and right now we are verifying whether they have sought any permission or not,” said Ahmad.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Sarmad Hafeez said that they will take the necessary action against the accused and has directed the enforcing agencies to investigate into the matter.