Karkala: An alleged attempt to illegally fell and transport trees from Kumki land in the reserve forest near Mutlupadi Padu Darkhasu, within the limits of Kudremukh National Park, has been reported.
More than nine large trees, including Kiralu Bogi (Malabar ironwood) and Hebbalasu (wild jackfruit), were reportedly cut down. The timber is estimated to be worth more than Rs 10 lakh.
According to local residents, those involved allegedly attempted to transport the felled timber using a lorry and crane. However, residents objected to the activity after noticing the tree felling and transportation attempt.
Timber abandoned after residents object
The persons allegedly involved in the operation reportedly did not possess documents authorising the felling of the trees.
Following objections from local residents, the people involved allegedly abandoned the cut timber at the spot and fled.
The incident has raised concerns as the trees were reportedly felled within an ecologically sensitive area under the Kudremukh National Park limits.
Local residents said the location where the trees were cut is approximately 50 metres from the Anti-Poaching Camp.
The proximity of the site to the camp has also drawn attention to how the alleged tree-felling activity was carried out without being immediately detected.
Forest officials seize felled timber
Photographs showing the felled trees were circulated on social media following the incident.
After the images came to the attention of the Forest Department, officials visited the location and inspected the site.
The officials subsequently seized the felled timber and began gathering information about the vehicles and machinery allegedly used in the operation.
The department is also examining the circumstances surrounding the cutting of the trees and the attempted transportation of the timber.
CCTV footage helps identify vehicles
Karkala Range Forest Officer Arun said the department had obtained information about the vehicles involved with the help of CCTV footage.
“Based on CCTV footage, we have already obtained information about the lorries and cranes involved. A case will be registered and appropriate action will be taken,” Arun said.
The Forest Department is expected to register a case against those responsible and initiate further action based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Officials are also likely to examine whether the trees were cut for commercial purposes and identify all those involved in the alleged operation.
Residents alert forest authorities
The incident came to light after local residents noticed the tree-felling and objected to the alleged attempt to transport the timber.
Their intervention resulted in the persons involved abandoning the felled trees and leaving the location.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for close monitoring of forest areas, particularly locations within and around protected areas where valuable timber species are found.
The Forest Department’s seizure of the timber and examination of CCTV footage are expected to assist in identifying those allegedly responsible.
Further action will follow after the case is formally registered and the investigation establishes the circumstances of the tree felling and attempted transportation.