Powerful individuals attempting to conceal timber, says MLA Satti

An investigation committee formed by the BJP today visited the Dharampur region in Mandi district to examine reports of illegal felling of timber, a matter that has garnered significant media attention. The committee, led by BJP MLA Satpal Satti and members Sukh Ram Chaudhary and Balbir Verma, toured various areas to assess the situation.

Addressing the mediapersons at Dharampur, MLA Satti said the committee had visited various locations in the Dharampur subdivision, where they found a significant amount of timber, including banned tree species like banyan, peepal and others, stacked illegally. They discovered a depot at Bahri village, where prohibited logs were being stored, but the owner could not be identified and no permits were shown. According to local residents, the timber was linked to an individual from Kangra, though no official records or permits were available, he added.

Satti accused powerful individuals of attempting to conceal the timber. He claimed that heavy machinery, including JCBs, was used to bury the logs underground to hide the evidence. He also alleged that power to the area was cut off at night to prevent detection while illegal activities were carried out.

The committee found large quantities of timber hidden along the banks of Beas, he claimed. He said proper procedure for felling timber was not followed, as no official permits or processes were in place.