Bhubaneswar: Acting on credible intelligence inputs, the Forest Wing of Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday conducted a joint raid on two illegal sawmills operating in Khordha district and seized timber and machinery worth ₹25 lakh.
The operation was carried out at Bhubanpur and Gargara villages under Balipatna police limits, where officials detected sawmill equipment and valuable timber allegedly processed without authorisation. Preliminary inquiry revealed that both sawmills were functioning without the mandatory license, in clear violation of Section 4 of the Orissa Sawmill and Sawpit (Control) Act, 1991.
Following the seizure, two forest offence cases have been registered under Balipatna Range of the Khordha Forest Division.
Further investigation is underway to trace those involved in the illegal operations and identify the source of the timber.
Officials said the crackdown is part of the state’s continuing effort to curb illegal timber trade and protect forest resources.
