Three held for illegal green felling in Chamba

A team of the Forest Department in Chamba has apprehended three persons involved in illegal green felling in the Diola forest beat of the Tikri range. The incident came to light during a routine patrol by the team in the area.

Chamba Divisional Forest Officer Kritagya Kumar said the patrolling team spotted some persons cutting trees in the forest.

On noticing the patrol, they attempted to flee but were nabbed by the team.

Chainsaw recovered

A small felled tree and a power chainsaw were recovered from the site. The department seized the chainsaw and imposed a fine of Rs 28,479 on the offenders. “The department is committed to taking strict measures to protect the forest resources,” said Kumar. During the pursuit, Sudesh Kumar, a forest guard from the Diola Forest Beat, slipped and injured his leg. He is currently undergoing treatment, the DFO said.

The authorities in Chamba have increased vigil in the forests following complaints of large-scale illegal felling. Currently, an inquiry by a committee is under way to probe the allegations of illegal felling in the Masroon range. In another case, the Vigilance Department is probing alleged illegal extraction of Kashmal roots in the area.