37 deodar sleepers seized in major crackdown, 7 nabbed

In a major crackdown on timber smuggling, the Forest Department seized 37 deodar wood sleepers and arrested seven individuals in the Parvati Forest Division of Kullu late last night. The operation, carried out during routine patrolling, highlights increasing concerns about illegal logging in this ecologically fragile Himalayan region.

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Parvati Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Praveen Thakur said the seizure took place around 11:45 pm near Rauli Mour in the Rauli Beat. A patrolling team led by Deputy Ranger Neeraj Sharma intercepted two vehicles—a jeep (HP-45-0417) and another vehicle (HP-01-9647)—on suspicion of smuggling. Upon inspection, 37 deodar wood sleepers of various sizes were recovered from one of the jeeps. Four persons, including the driver, were in one vehicle, while the second also had four occupants. One suspect escaped in the darkness during the operation.

The patrolling team comprised forest guards Buddhi Singh (Rauli Beat), Pappu Soni (Nanja Beat), Budhram (Narol Beat), and forest friends Rakesh Kumar and Dole Ram. Seven suspects have been taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

DFO Thakur emphasised that the Forest Department has ramped up patrolling across all beats in the Parvati Division to curb rising illegal logging activities. He noted, “The seized wood was likely intended for the black market. We are thoroughly investigating the source and destination of this consignment.”

Deodar, a native conifer of the Himalayas, is a protected species in Himachal Pradesh. Its felling without official authorization is illegal. However, the high demand for deodar wood—used extensively in furniture making and temple construction—has fueled smuggling, particularly in remote areas.

Local environmental groups have commended the department’s swift action. A spokesperson from a regional conservation NGO stated, “Such decisive actions are vital for protecting our forests. Authorities must also target the organized networks behind these crimes.” The Forest Department confirmed both vehicles have been impounded and that further raids and inquiries are ongoing to trace additional culprits.