Anni (Kullu), July 24:
The eco-sensitive Bashleo Jot in Anni sub-division is bleeding green — literally.
Under the very nose of the Forest Department, hundreds of green pine trees are reportedly being felled by timber mafias, triggering soil erosion, landslides, and posing a serious threat to Baga Sarahan and nearby villages downstream.
Local BJP MLA Lokinder Kumar has raised a red flag, demanding immediate action against the timber mafia and accusing the Anni and Kullu forest divisions of gross negligence.
"Just a month and a half ago, the Chief Minister had visited the Wagha Sarahan area.
And now this? It’s a complete failure of the forest machinery. Either they’re asleep or hand-in-glove with the culprits," said a visibly agitated MLA Kumar while releasing a video on social media.
He added that the traditional trek route to Bashleo Jot has eroded, and newer construction activities have deepened the area, making villages like Bagha Sarahan and Bagasan dangerously vulnerable to landslides.
"Since the so-called trail path was built, the old safe track has vanished, cracks have appeared in the terrain, and massive tree felling continues on the upper slopes.
This is criminal. I appeal to the government to take strict action against everyone involved — be it mafia or negligent forest officers," the MLA said.
Locals fear that continued tree felling in this fragile zone may lead to a major ecological disaster, and demand that the state government immediately step in, fix responsibility, and stop the destruction of one of the most pristine treks in the region.
Meanwhile, on the other, forest officials have come out with a video clarifying that the trees were being cut as these were marked for felling by forest corporation under salvage felling.
