July 21st 2024.
In a recent incident, the Forest department has taken swift action against illegal tree felling in the Similipal Sanctuary. Five individuals have been arrested and charged for their involvement in cutting down valuable trees for timber. This incident has raised concerns among locals about the increasing activities of poachers and timber smugglers in the area.
The accused, identified as Rajma Tudu, Mangala Marandi, Gopinath Patra, Nane Soren, and Sukanta Nayak, were arrested and presented before the court in Mayurbhanj district on Saturday. The Forest department has seized five logs of Champa tree, as well as two large saws and three axes from the accused. These items are believed to have been used in the illegal tree felling.
The Forest department acted swiftly upon receiving a tip-off and conducted a raid in the Gudugudia range of the north division of Similipal Tiger Reserve on Friday. The accused have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for their illegal actions. This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of encroachment in the Similipal Sanctuary, which has resulted in wild animals straying into nearby villages and towns.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including large and valuable trees like sal, piasal, arjuna, banyan, peepal, neem, harida, and bahada. However, these trees are being cut down and smuggled to neighbouring states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. The Police have frequently seized vans transporting these illegal timbers to other states.
The local community has expressed their concerns and demanded that the Forest department increase patrolling and closely monitor not only the entry points, but also the active areas to prevent such illegal activities. It is important to protect the biodiversity of the Similipal Sanctuary and take strict action against those who try to harm it. The Forest department has taken a step in the right direction by arresting the culprits and we hope that such incidents will be prevented in the future.
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