Bokaro Forest Division Cracks Down on Illegal Timber Operations
The Bokaro forest division on Saturday dismantled a network allegedly involved in illegal tree felling and timber processing, resulting in the detention of five individuals in Gomia block. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar stated that the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs.
“A team of forest officials conducted simultaneous searches in Tulbul and Dhende villages. The accused were allegedly sourcing timber from forests around the ecologically sensitive Luguburu hills and transporting it to illegal sawmills, where the logs were processed into furniture and other products before being sold in local markets,” Kumar explained.
During the searches, officials demanded valid transit permits and licenses for transporting timber and operating sawmills. None of the accused could provide the required documents, leading to immediate action. The department seized five tractors loaded with illegally stored timber and confiscated machinery used for wood processing.
“Five accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act and the Jharkhand Sawmill Act. They will be produced before a court soon,” the DFO added.
The operation was led by Kumar, with teams from Tenughat, Gomia, and Chas forest ranges, along with support from Kuju and Mandu ranges of the Ramgarh division. A 12-member Bokara police team provided security during the crackdown.
Officials emphasized the importance of the crackdown, noting that the Luguburu hills are part of a key elephant habitat. “Unchecked deforestation is contributing to habitat degradation and increasing the risk of elephants straying into human settlements, triggering conflict with humans,” an official warned.
The department has issued a stern warning against illegal tree felling, timber smuggling, and any activities that threaten forest ecosystems. Further actions are expected as investigations continue.
