Farooq Inqlabi Seeks High-Level Probe into Alleged Forest Land Misuse at Kangota Gundi

**Demands joint demarcation by Forest and Revenue Departments; alleges irregularities in boundary pillar installation**

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI NOV, 01:-Senior PDP leader and social activist Mohd Farooq Inqlabi has sought immediate intervention by the authorities over alleged irregularities in the installation of boundary pillars and suspected misuse of forest land at Kangota Gundi, falling under Kandi Forest Range of Rajouri district.

Raising serious concerns over the boundary pillar installation exercise reportedly carried out last month, Inqlabi alleged that certain officials of the Forest Department and members associated with the executing agency may have facilitated unauthorised occupation or allotment of forest land in favour of influential individuals and their associates.

He demanded a high-level and impartial investigation to ascertain whether any forest land was illegally occupied, transferred or handed over to private persons under the cover of boundary pillar installation.

Seeking transparency in the matter, Inqlabi called for an immediate joint demarcation of the entire disputed area by the Forest and Revenue Departments, strictly on the basis of official revenue records, forest maps and other relevant documents.

He also urged the government to constitute an independent committee comprising honest and competent officers to verify the actual boundaries of the forest land, examine the locations of the recently installed boundary pillars and investigate the alleged role of officials and agency representatives.

The PDP leader further stressed that the demarcation process should involve proper documentation and GPS-based mapping, wherever feasible, so that the exact status of the land can be established and any encroachment or irregularity brought to light.

Inqlabi urged the Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Conservator of Forests, West Circle, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajouri, and the District Administration to take immediate cognisance of the allegations. He also called for the preservation of all records relating to the installation work, including work orders, approved plans, maps and inspection reports.

Demanding accountability, he said that if any official, agency representative or private individual is found involved in illegal occupation or misuse of forest land, strict action should be initiated under the law.

“Forest land is public property and a valuable natural resource. Nobody should be allowed to misuse official authority or personal influence to benefit selected individuals at the cost of public assets and environmental protection,” Inqlabi maintained.

He said the objective of raising the issue was to ensure that the truth comes out through an evidence-based investigation, government records remain transparent and the forest land is protected from any unauthorised occupation.

Inqlabi appealed to the concerned authorities to order the proposed joint demarcation and independent inquiry without delay, maintaining that public property must be safeguarded and accountability fixed wherever wrongdoing is established. www.gnsonline.in