DETENTION OF WAGONS LOADED WITH TIMBER

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The States and Union Territories have either adopted Indian Forest Act, 1927 or enacted their own Acts for prevention of illegal felling and transportation of timber.

On receipt of information about transport of illegal timber from North-Eastern Region in the garb of legal timber, physical verification of about 202 wagons loaded with timber was got done. During physical verification and subsequent investigation, significant irregularities and illegalities were found. For detailed investigation and follow up action, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted. The investigations revealed that illegal timber was transported on large scale in the garb of legal timber. After necessary investigations, issue of show cause notices and personal hearings, final decisions in respect of 202 wagons have so far been taken by the Special Investigation Team for confiscation of illegal timber, imposition of penalty and action against those responsible for various irregularities/illegalities.

This information was given by the Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu, in reply to a question from the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri M.K. Subba in Lok Sabha today.