Rampant smuggling of Maple trees concern Himachal residents

Shimla, June 21 (ANI): Rampant smuggling of maple tree wood through border areas of Tibet and China in Himachal Pradesh state has become a serious cause of concern for residents in Himachal Pradesh.

Local residents in Himachal's Kinnaur and Shimla districts say that there is threat of entire lot of the maple tree being vanished in near future. Already, thousands of trees have been damaged for smuggling purposes.

Residents complain that in both the districts the maple wood is being smuggled to Nepal, Bhutan, China and Tibet in the form of rings and knots and the authorities expected to keep a check have not paid heed to their consistent complaints.

"We have informed the forest officers of the smuggling of the tree wood but they have not taken any action yet. This matter should be soon looked into, as these trees will be soon wiped out from the forest. These trees should be saved," said Ram Singh, a local resident.

The maple wood smuggling has resulted to the tree felling in Kinnaur at Trand, Shilini, Thach, Chaura and Baddi areas and in Shimla kinnu, Baghot and Sarahan forest.

Himachal Pradesh Government has given assurance of conducting an inquiry into the alleged smuggling in the area and take action within a week.

"We will gather information from the reports. First, we'll find out the amount of damage that has been occurred. Second, where are the areas of operation? We will form a special strategy to combat it and we will make sure this kind incidence do not happen again," said JP Nadda, Forest Minister Government Of Himachal Pradesh.

The maple tree is called as Tilhan, Bhutia-Badam and Gey-Diza. (ANI)