Forest department foils illegal timber transport in Balangir
By Mahendra Darjee
Balangir, June 5: The Forest Department’s patrolling teams in Balangir district have intensified operations against illegal timber transportation, making multiple seizures in recent days. The crackdown comes in the wake of new Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ajit Bishi assuming charge, under whose leadership forest protection measures have been significantly strengthened.
During a night patrol on June 2, 2025, at around 3:43 AM, the Bangomunda range staff intercepted a truck (registration number OR03B2824) near Muribahal village, carrying 7 quintals of illegally procured Khair wood.
In a similar operation the next day, on June 3, 2025, at 9:30 AM, Patnagarh range officials seized a Tata 407 vehicle (CG22AB7136) near Niljibahal village, which was found transporting 10 metric tons of Khair wood without valid documentation.
The drive continued into the early hours of June 4, 2025, when Lathor range staff intercepted a consignment of Teak logs near Sahajpani village during routine night patrolling.
The seized timber consignments have been taken into custody, and investigations are underway to trace the origin of the wood and identify those involved in the illegal trade.
These successive seizures reflect the Forest Department’s renewed commitment to curbing illegal timber smuggling and protecting the region’s forest resources under DFO Ajit Bishi’s proactive leadership.
