Resolve forest land issue with J&K Govt: ZP chief

Our Correspondent

Chamba, October 7

Chamba Zila Parishad (ZP) chairperson Dharam Singh Pathania has urged the state government to solve the issue of about 18,000 bighas of forest land stretching from Khundi Maral to Padhri Pass, which, as per the revenue record, falls in Salooni subdivision of Chamba district. However, the area is in occupation of the Jammu and Kashmir Government in between the borders of two states.

Talking to mediapersons here, Pathania said this tract of forest land fell between the borderline of Chamba district in Himachal adjacent to Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir stretching from Khundi Maral to Padhri Pass.

Pathania said the issue of the occupied forest land should be taken up with the J&K Government and the actual area of forestland belonging to the Himachal Government should be taken back with mutual understanding and consideration.

“The issue of occupied forestland needs to be resolved from the security point of view, which would go a long way in maintaining communal harmony and fraternity between the two states,” Pathania said.

Regarding this issue, residents of the area, led by Pathania, had already met Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari. On her directions, the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba had further directed the Salooni tehsildar to carry out demarcation of the border forestland and submit a report.