Sri Vijaya Puram, April 12: A team of South Andaman Forest Division carried out a successful enforcement operation today resulting in the seizure of 1.77 Cubic meters of Illegal Padauk Timber. The timber was found stored without any valid documents and in violation of the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927 in an unmanned location within the jurisdiction of the Division.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Shri. R.S.Sharath, Assistant Conservator of Forests (HQ), South Andaman Division based on credible inputs received from reliable source. The seizure underscores the continued commitment of the Division towards protecting forest resources and curbing illegal trade in valuable species such as padauk.
The seized timber has been taken into custody and handed over to the Range Officer, Tushnabad and further investigation is underway to identify those responsible for commitment of such offense. Strict legal action will be initiated against the violators to deter future attempts towards illegal exploitation of Forest Produce. The team comprising of Shri. Mujibur Rehman, Forest Guard, Shri. Veeraswamy, Forest Guard along with Regular Mazdoors Shri. Ganesh Sahu, Shri. Samuel, Shri. Peter Alexander and Shri. Anutosh Bairagi lead by Shri. Mohd Islmail, Forester of South Andaman Forest Division carried out the operation.
The south Andaman Forest Division reiterates its appeal to the General Public to cooperate in safeguarding natural resources and report any suspicious activities related to illegal forest and wildlife produce on the help line number 03192-255228. Identity of the informants will be kept confidential.