Sopore, Dec 28: Acting on inputs, a joint team of the Wildlife Department and the Forest Protection Force (FPF), Baramulla, successfully foiled an attempt of illegal willow felling inside the ecologically sensitive Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve (WCR) during the early hours of Sunday.
Officials said the enforcement team conducted a surprise operation at around 1:30 am in the Ballakul Shah area of Lolipora Beat, following information about illicit cutting and theft of willow trees within the protected wetland zone. As the team reached the spot, the accused involved in the illegal activity managed to flee under the cover of darkness to evade arrest.
However, the offenders were forced to abandon two vehicles at the scene—a Maruti 800 (Registration No. JK05B-0294) and a Tata Mobile (Registration No. JK05A-7233)—both found heavily loaded with illegally felled willow logs. The joint team immediately seized the vehicles along with the recovered timber on the spot.
Authorities confirmed that the accused have been identified by the field staff, and legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act have been initiated. Further investigation is underway to identify possible links and prevent recurrence of such environmental crimes.
Officials reiterated that Hygam Wetland, a notified conservation reserve, is a vital habitat for migratory birds and biodiversity, and any illegal activity within its boundaries will be dealt with strictly and without leniency. They also warned that intensified night patrolling and intelligence-based operations will continue to safeguard the fragile wetland ecosystem.