TV
A special team of the Forest Department and the local police on Tuesday conducted massive raids on three sawmills illegally operating in Badagada's Gangapur village area under the South Ghumusura forest division in Ganjam district.
As per sources, a large quantity of valuable timber, including Sal and Teak logs, was seized during the operation. Additionally, three machines used for cutting wood and several other items were confiscated.
Five tractors were engaged to transport the seized materials to the forest department’s office. The value of the recovered timber and equipment is estimated to be more than Rs 10 lakh.
Vinod Acharya, Forest Ranger of the Southern Ghumusura Forest Division, said, “We conducted a massive raid in Badagada’s Gangapur village and raided three illegal sawmills, which we rooted out completely. We recovered a large amount of Sal and Teak logs."
" Logs worth around Rs 10 lakh were seized from the illegal mills. We are investigating further into this matter and gathering intel on other probable illegal sawmills; and, we will take strict actions against the culprits,” he added.
The raid comes as part of a crackdown on illegal timber operations in the region. Upon hearing about the raid, several individuals linked to the illegal mills reportedly fled the village. Investigations are underway to identify the owners of the sawmills and further action is expected in the coming days.
