2 more held in maple knot smuggling case

Chamba, March 4

A team of the Forest Division, Chamba, has apprehended two more people for illegal cutting of maple tree knots.

One of the accused is a Nepalese and the other a local. They assisted perpetrators of the crime in illegal cutting the knots of maple trees in the jungle.

Last week, a Forest Department team had arrested three people, two of Nepalese origin and one local, while they were trying to smuggle 363 maple tree knots near Jadera.So far, five individuals have been apprehended in the case.

The investigating team has also identified the location in Badua forest, which could be reached by a 7-km trek from the road, where the accused allegedly cut the maple tree knots.

Sources in the Forest Department said the arrested duo guided others to the jungle where they would cut off the knots. More arrest were expected in the case. Sources added that the network of mafia involved in the maple wood smuggling was spread across the state.

Chamba Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kritagya Kumar has confirmed two more arrests.

The maple tree knots have significant commercial value, especially in the regions where its wood is prized for its quality and aesthetic appeal. The knots, or burls, found on maple trees are highly sought after by woodworkers and craftsmen for their unique and intricate grain patterns. These patterns make them desirable for making high-end furniture, decorative items and wood crafts.

Additionally, maple tree knots are also valued in certain traditional medicinal practices and are believed to have various health benefits.

Due to the limited availability and high demand of the maple tree knots, especially in the international market, smuggling or illegal harvesting of these knots carried out to meet the demand.