'Not an isolated incident': Locals aghast after precious deodar tree axed inside school premises; Police lodge FIR

August 31, 2025 by News Desk

Meer Irfan

Authorities have filed a case after a towering deodar tree, nearly 50 feet tall, was found illegally felled inside the premises of Government Middle School Padpavan in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Herpora Police Station, barely 100 metres away from the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), raising serious questions about monitoring and enforcement.

Officials told The Kashmiriyat that unidentified persons used cutters and saws under the cover of darkness to chop down the tree.

A senior forest official confirmed that an FIR (No. 44/2025) has been registered at Police Station Herpora, and an investigation has been initiated.

Locals expressed strong anger, describing the act as an “open loot of green gold.”

They alleged that timber smugglers, contractors, and certain forest employees are working in collusion, allowing unchecked destruction of forests.

Residents also pointed out that this was not an isolated case, citing multiple incidents of illegal felling reported across Shopian in recent months.

Police have assured that those involved will be identified and dealt with strictly under law.