The Himachal Pradesh high court has expressed serious concern over the illegal felling and smuggling of khair trees in the border district of Una. The court observed that a well-organized inter-state crime network, involving accused individuals from both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, appears to be actively operating in the region.
Court Directs Police Report
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi directed the Superintendent of Police of Una to submit a detailed status report on the entire issue. The directive came during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the depletion of forest cover in Una district.
Forest Department Instructions
The bench also instructed the forest department to file an affidavit explaining the difficulties in conducting a headcount and numbering of khair trees in the affected forest areas. This measure aims to prevent their illegal cutting and transportation.
During the proceedings, the amicus curiae referred to a letter dated September 15, 2025, from the Divisional Forest Officer of Una to the Superintendent of Police. The letter sought the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the FIR registered on July 19, 2025, regarding the illegal felling of khair trees.
Inspection Report Deemed Inadequate
The court examined a report submitted by the secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), who conducted site inspections in October 2025. However, the bench noted that the officer could not venture deep into the forests due to dense vegetation from heavy monsoon growth. Consequently, the report was deemed incomplete and inadequate to assess the actual extent of illegal felling. The court directed the same officer to revisit the sites in mid-June and submit a fresh report.
Vulnerability of Una Forest Division
Earlier, the high court observed that the Una forest division's location along the Himachal-Punjab border, along with its multiple exit routes, makes it highly vulnerable to timber smuggling. The forest department informed the court that 605 vehicles carrying timber without valid documents had been seized since April 1, 2022.
The PIL was initiated based on representations submitted by Una residents, who alleged large-scale felling of khair trees and rapid depletion of forest cover in the district.
