Forest dept not to seek affidavits under TD system in Kullu

The forest department has stopped asking for duly attested and sworn affidavits from those who apply for timber under the Timber Distribution (TD) system in the district.

The forest department has stopped asking for duly attested and sworn affidavits from those who apply for timber under the Timber Distribution (TD) system in the district.

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People were not getting timber under the TD system from the department for the construction of residential buildings after a ban was imposed on felling of trees in the state.

Now, the department has started providing timber to the right holders on subsidised rates on the need basis for construction of residential buildings.

To get timber under the TD system, the applicants had to furnish an affidavit stating that they had not encroached upon any government land.

Kullu divisional forest officer BL Negi said now the department of forests had stopped seeking affidavits from Wednesday.

The forest guard concerned would have to submit the report wherein he has to mention that the persons applying under TD have not damaged forest property or encroached upon forest land.

“Even now, those found to have encroached upon forest land as per the forest guard report will not be entitled to timber under TD system,” said Negi.

Manali range officer Pune Ram confirmed the development.