Preservation: Trees to be renumbered to curb timber theft

Those found guilty of stealing timber from forests are to face heavy fines or imprisonment.

LAHORE:

Trees on canal banks and forests in the province are going to be renumbered.

A Forest Department official said on Sunday the step was being taken to prevent timber theft in the province.

He said those found guilty of stealing timber from forests would face heavy fines or imprisonment.

He said strict action would also be taken against officials in charge of areas from where timber theft was reported.

He said the Forest Department had directed officials to send in reports of timber theft cases in their jurisdiction.

He said the officers were also directed to pursue cases of timber theft pending in courts.

He said officers had been directed to provide monthly reports of progress of court cases regarding timber theft.

He said timber auctioning was banned and advised people to be wary of thieves selling timber through auctioning.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2013.