North Bengal Forest Areas Face Allegations Over Illegal Timber Cutting and Sawmill Operations

North Bengal: Allegations have been raised regarding illegal timber cutting, transportation and sawmill operations in parts of North Bengal, particularly in areas associated with the MMP Forest Range in Jalpaiguri.

According to the allegations, timber may be transported through forest and border-adjacent areas between Jalpaiguri and surrounding forest regions without the required documents and may subsequently be processed at sawmills operating in the region.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the cutting and transportation of valuable timber species, including Sal, Segun and Mahogany. The allegations further suggest that such activities could result in revenue losses to the government if timber is transported or processed without the required permissions.

Questions have also been raised about the functioning of certain sawmills and the movement of timber in the concerned areas. However, the allegations regarding illegal activities, financial transactions or involvement of officials and other individuals have not been independently established.

Local concerns have prompted calls for the Forest Department and other competent authorities to examine timber movement, sawmill operations, permits, transit documents and relevant government records in the concerned areas.

A detailed official investigation would be required to establish whether any violations have occurred. The response of the concerned Forest Department authorities and other relevant parties would also be important before reaching any conclusion regarding the allegations.