Valpoi
A large-scale case of illegal felling of Acacia trees has come to light in the Sonshi Ovoliye area under the Honda Village Panchayat in Sattari taluka.
Local residents suspect an organised timber-smuggling racket is operating in the area, with illegally cut timber regularly transported to Maharashtra.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with residents demanding criminal cases and the arrest of those responsible.
Honda Police have seized a truck allegedly carrying illegally felled timber, and an investigation is underway.
Valpoi Forest Range Officer Shyamsundar Gawas said the Forest Department has begun an inquiry and assured that strict legal action would be taken against those found guilty.
Mining area targeted
According to information available, the affected area was once part of a mining belt. Acacia trees had been planted several years ago to prevent soil erosion caused by mining activities and to help restore the
environment. However, with mining operations suspended for nearly 13 years, the area has become largely deserted. Residents allege that anti-social elements have taken advantage of the situation and started systematic tree cutting.
Locals claim that the illegal felling has been taking place for the past 15 days. They further alleged that although the matter was brought to the notice of the authorities several times, timely action was not taken.
Truck seized
The case came to light after the landowner noticed the unauthorised felling and alerted Honda Police.
Officers rushed to the site and allegedly caught a truck while timber was being loaded.
The vehicle was seized, and police are questioning the driver and others connected with the incident.
A visit to the site revealed hundreds of Acacia trees cut down, with tree stumps scattered across the area and large logs stacked along the roadside. Temporary huts built by labourers were also found, suggesting the operation had been running for several days.
Call for action
Residents allege that timber is transported daily to Maharashtra and have questioned how such large-scale illegal activity escaped the notice of the Forest Department. They have demanded an inquiry into possible negligence.
Environmentalists warned that the destruction of the Acacia plantation, created to control soil erosion and restore the former mining area, could damage biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Residents have urged the Forest Department, Police and Revenue Department to jointly investigate the case, identify the masterminds behind the alleged smuggling racket, and strengthen forest surveillance through regular patrols, CCTV cameras and drone monitoring to prevent similar incidents.
