Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: In a major crackdown on illegal timber smuggling, officials of the Jammu Forest Range, in coordination with Police Station Gharota, intercepted and seized a Bharat Benz dumper carrying illegally sourced Khairwood billets.
It was learnt that a vehicle, bearing registration number JK20C-2144, was reportedly transporting a large quantity of the high-value timber without valid permits. Forest sleuths accordingly organized an operation under the direct supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Jammu, Anurag Arya, following actionable intelligence inputs regarding the movement of the vehicle.
A team led by Range Forest Officer Jammu, Kailash Choudhary, carried out the interception. The operation also included Vikram Singh (Block Officer Manawar), Sugam Bral (Block Officer Paloura), Rakeshwar Singh (Block Officer Nagrota-I) and other frontline Forest staff.
Officials said that confiscation proceedings have been initiated under the relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act. The seized dumper and timber have been taken into custody pending further legal action.
Forest officials stated that the seizure is part of an ongoing campaign to curb timber smuggling and illegal forest activity in the region. Khairwood, commonly used in katha extraction, commands a high market price, making it a frequent target for illegal trade.
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