Illegal Timber Transport Foiled, Pickup Vehicle Seized

Raipur, April 2026: The Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation has intensified its crackdown on illegal activities in forest areas, including unauthorized felling, encroachment, and mining, following directives from Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen forest protection, regular patrolling and monitoring are being carried out across all project divisions under the instructions of the Managing Director. These measures have significantly enhanced vigilance and enforcement on the ground.

In a recent operation, the Kota Project Division team in Bilaspur achieved a major breakthrough during a patrol. Acting on a tip-off, officials intercepted a pickup vehicle on a road between villages Navapara and Umarmara in the Bachhali beat of Bhainsajhar range.

Upon inspection, the team found 27 pieces of illegally transported sal wood (sawn timber/frames) loaded in the vehicle. Immediate action was taken, and the Jito Plus pickup vehicle (registration number CG-10BL-4663) was seized on the spot.

A forest offence has been registered against the driver, Raghuveer Kashyap, under Sections 41(2)(b) and 52 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The operation was conducted under the guidance of the Regional General Manager, Bilaspur, and the Divisional Manager, Kota, led by the Project Range Officer. The team included assistant range officers, forest guards, and other staff members.

The Managing Director of the Forest Development Corporation, Prem Kumar, commended the team for their swift and effective action. He directed all officials and staff to remain vigilant and continue ensuring strict forest protection.

It was also stated that the contributions of employees toward forest conservation and security will be specifically acknowledged in upcoming confidential performance reports.