Staff Reporter

Forest officials from Pench Tiger Reserve (Seoni) under Khawasa and Rukhad buffer zones and southern general forest division’s Barghat, Khawasa and Kurai ranges, successfully intercepted an illegal transport of teakwood based on a tip-off from an informant, on Saturday. Pench Tiger Reserve, Deputy Director, Rajnish Singh informed that the team seized an Ashok Leyland truck (MH-40CT-6029), which was caught transporting 32 teak logs (measuring approximately 9.057 cubic meters) without proper authorisation. The interception took place near Khawasa Toll Post, where a blockade was set up to stop the vehicle.

 

Initial investigations revealed that timber was being transported from Compartment No. 10 of Rajarani within Rukhad buffer zone, under the jurisdiction of Seoni Forest Production Division. The area is currently undergoing legal harvesting operations, but this specific transport was unauthorised. The Forest Department has launched a full investigation. The vehicle’s driver and his associate are currently being interrogated to gather more information about the individuals involved in the illegal operation. This operation marks a significant success in ongoing efforts to curb illegal timber smuggling in and around Pench Tiger Reserve.