Forest Dept crackdown on illegal logging in Chamba

In response to an assault on a forest guard, the Forest Department launched a large-scale operation to crack down on illegal logging activities in the Singadhar forest beat in Salooni division of Chamba district. The operation, which began on Monday, targeted villages surrounding the forest and uncovered significant amounts of illegally felled timber, logs and planks hidden in private homes.

The investigation was prompted by an incident on the previous Saturday, where two individuals, Ghindro Ram and Karma from Bidhwad village, allegedly assaulted a forest guard and tore his uniform during a questioning session about illegal logging in the Koyal Forest of Singadhar.

Acting under the direction of Chamba Conservator of Forests Abhilash Damodaran, a joint team from the Churah, Chamba and Dalhousie Forest divisions raided nearby villages, including Bidhwad, Tikru and Dhar. The team, consisting of 20 members, recovered 20 planks from various homes in the area. Villagers were unable to produce valid documentation for the wood and were given a one-day deadline to present proof.

At the homes of the accused, wood used in house construction was measured, and discrepancies were found between the timber volume recovered and the documents provided. Additionally, 15 logs were found in the courtyard of one of the accused, further raising suspicions. A total of 4.25 cubic meters of illegally sawn timber, valued at Rs. 2.79 lakh, was recovered during the raids.

The assault on the forest guard has put three villages—Bidhwad, Tikru, and Dhar—under the scrutiny of the Forest Department. A separate police investigation is underway concerning the assault. Salooni Divisional Forest Officer Sushil Guleria announced that a 24-member team would continue to conduct house-to-house searches in the area over the coming days, with a detailed report on illegal logging expected soon.

The raids have caused alarm among local villagers, and the Forest Department is considering revoking the timber distribution (TD) rights of residents from the three villages in question. These rights, which allow villagers to obtain timber for personal use, may be suspended based on the ongoing investigation and the extent of illegal felling discovered.