MUZAFFARGARH: An officer and guard have been terminated from service, and a Range Officer of the Forest Department has been suspended following an investigation into illegal wheat cultivation on forest land, according to official sources.
The illegal cultivation took place at Deewan Shahpur and Moza Kothi Lal, along with adjacent areas in Doulat Pur situated in a riverine zone.
Upon media exposure of the issue, Secretary of Forest Department South Punjab, Mudasser Wahid Malik, swiftly responded by forming an enquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee’s findings confirmed the criminal activity.
Consequently, Forest Officer Jam Haider and Guard Yasir Gabool received termination orders, while the Range Officer was suspended pending further investigation.
The Secretary directed the local Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner took action by suspending three Patwaris and a Qanuongo for facilitating the illegal acquisition of land for wheat cultivation.
To delve deeper into the illegal activity, two enquiry committees have been established under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (AC) and Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Alipur. Their mandate is to identify and hold accountable all individuals involved in this illegal act.
This decisive action by the Forest Department underscores a commitment to protecting forest land from unauthorized exploitation, ensuring the preservation of natural resources and upholding environmental regulations.
