Teak wood smuggling foiled in Sribhumi; forest dept seizes 66 logs

PATHARKANDI: Acting on a public complaint, the Dohalia Forest Range of Sribhumi seized a large quantity of illegally felled teak wood from Kudailbari in Narainpur under the Baithakhal Forest Sub-Beat. The operation, led by Range Officer Pranab Kalita on Sunday afternoon, resulted in the confiscation of 66 teak logs believed to have been prepared for illegal sale.
The seized timber is allegedly owned by a local resident, Mokbul Ali, who reportedly cut the trees from his private garden without obtaining clearance from the forest department. According to officials, felling trees—even on private land—requires permission under the Forest Act, which was not sought in this case.
Kalita confirmed that the logs were taken into custody and a detailed investigation is underway. “Preliminary findings suggest that the timber was being readied for transport and sale without proper documentation. If the allegations are confirmed, action will be initiated as per the provisions of the Forest Act,” he said.
The prompt action by the forest department has drawn appreciation from residents and environmental activists in the region, who have long voiced concern over unchecked tree felling and the rising illegal timber trade. Locals have called the seizure a step forward in curbing environmental degradation in the area.