DIAMER, May 29: Adviser to provincial government on forests and Northern Areas Haji Janbaz Khan said on Tuesday that the government had launched a grand operation against the illicit cutting and felling of trees in the forests.

Speaking at a meeting, he said forests were our national assets and a proper care was needed to protect them from ruthless cutting.

The meeting decided to launch a grand operation against the timber mafia immediately who are involved in ruthless cutting and felling of trees. Four operational committees had also been set up and every committee would be led by a sub-divisional magistrate, while a range forest officer, an inspector and 10 police personnel will be included.

The operational group of the concerned areas will take action against the people involved in illegal cutting. He said special arrangements were being made to stop illegal cutting of forests in Northern Areas. He said culprits involved in this trade would be dealt with an iron hand.

He said deforestation and indiscriminate felling of trees had damaged the beauty of the region and posting a serious threat to the environment.

The adviser stressed upon the forest officers to make efforts to control the illegal cutting of forest, and perform their duties efficiently and with dedication.

The meeting was attended by conservator forest Northern Areas Ghulam Tahir, deputy commissioner Hasan Khan, SP Hanif Khan, DFO and divisional forest officers.—APP