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Jeypore: Timber mafia is operating freely in Hadia forest under Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) in Jeypore forest range. Over 10 labourers are reportedly engaged in felling trees and loading them on trucks for transportation.
"We are loading timber since two days and our boss is paying us Rs 350 per day. We don't know his name," said a labourer.
"The felling of trees started four to five days back. I don't know where they are taking the timber," said another labourer.
It was when OTV team arrived to uncover the truth some persons rushed to the spot and requested not to cover the incident while few others avoided the camera. Even some persons reached the Jeypore forest range office and had a heated exchange of words with the OTV representative.
However, Forest Ranger of Jeypore forest range, Suresh Mallick denied having any information about the felling of trees.
"If the information is true then it is illegal. I am not sure about it but will conduct an enquiry and the responsible persons will be punished," said Mallick.
As per the guidelines for the Joint Forest Management, members of VSS are entitled to have a share in major forest produce. If there is a need to cut a tree, it requires permission of the forest department. They are also bound to plant a tree for every tree that they cut down, informed sources.
"The forest department should take cognizance of the matter and find out the reason behind it and take necessary action. There is a committee and if they have framed a resolution, it is their duty to inform the forest department," said former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Bijay Ketan Patnaik.
The identity of the mastermind behind illegal tree felling is yet to be ascertained.
It is being alleged that some influential person is the area is taking advantage of the villagers and felling the trees.
