As many as 1,000 Khair trees, worth crores of rupees, have reportedly been chopped in a forest in Jhamber Panchayat in Una, villagers said. The matter came to light on Wednesday when villagers visited the forest and found that a large number of Khair trees had been felled.
The Khair tree (Senegalia catechu), also known as Acacia catechu, is highly valued for its heartwood, which is used to make ‘kattha’ for paan. It is also used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties and provides strong timber, goat fodder and edible gum.
Locals strongly protested the large-scale cutting. They questioned how the forest department could remain unaware, especially when villagers had already alerted it about mafia activities.
Villagers said the forest, which lies near a village settlement, was once dense and full of Khair trees. Now, a large portion of its tree cover has been cleared. They alleged that some government officials were hand in glove with the mafia. The villagers have demanded a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, a joint team of the forest department and police reached the spot late on Wednesday evening to assess the damage.
Una Divisional Forest Officer Sushil Rana said if such a large number of trees have indeed been cut, it is a serious and alarming matter. He assured that action will be taken against those responsible.
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