Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on illegal timber operations, the forest wing of Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday unearthed two unauthorised sawmills operating without valid licences in Puri district and seized machinery, vehicles and timber worth approximately Rs 25 lakh.
The joint forest raid was carried out on Tuesday, at Bilaspur village under Satyabadi police station and Matigadia village under Delang police station limits. Acting on specific inputs regarding illegal wood processing activities, vigilance officials swooped down on the two locations simultaneously.
During the operation, officials detected that both sawmills were running without valid licences in violation of forest and environmental regulations. A large quantity of valuable wooden logs, along with sawmill accessories and a tractor allegedly used for transporting timber, were seized from the premises.
The total value of the seized materials has been estimated at around Rs 25 lakh, officials said.
Sources indicated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the timber and identify those involved in the illegal trade. Legal action under relevant provisions of the Forest Act and other applicable laws is expected to follow.
The crackdown forms part of intensified efforts by Odisha Vigilance to curb illegal felling, transportation and processing of timber across the state.
