Balangir: In a major crackdown on timber smuggling, the Odisha Forest Department seized catechu (Khaira) wood worth approximately Rs 1 crore in Balangir on Tuesday.
The operation was led by Balangir Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Arbind Nayak, following the directives of the Balangir District Forest Officer (DFO).
According to reports, the raid targeted multiple locations, including two sites in Kantabanji and two in Kanut village. Along with the wood, the team also seized one tractor and the raid is still ongoing.
While the authorities have successfully confiscated the timber, ACF Nayak confirmed that no timber smugglers were arrested during this operation.
He stated, “Around 95 percent of the Khaira wood was seized, totaling approximately 45 trips of wood. Only one tractor was recovered.”
The Forest Department’s efforts are part of a continuing battle to curb illegal timber smuggling in the region.
