forest-dept-to-probe-illegal-felling-of-khair-trees-in-bilaspur

A significant number of Khair trees have reportedly been illegally felled in the Chhadol, Kacholi, and Kallar forest areas of Bilaspur district, allegedly under the guise of removing only dried trees, according to local sources.

The illegal activity is said to have occurred within the Swarghat Range, raising serious concerns among locals and environmentalists. In response, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sameer Rastogi stated on Friday that the matter had come to his attention and assured that a detailed investigation would be launched.

“The illegal felling of Khair trees in three forest beats of the Swarghat Range is a serious issue. An inquiry is being initiated, and those found responsible will face strict action,” Rastogi said. 

The Khair tree, valued for its timber, is protected under state regulations, and its felling is only permitted under specific government orders. Local complaints suggest that many green trees were cut under the pretense of removing dry or dead ones, prompting calls for accountability and urgent enforcement action.
Environmental activists have raised the alarm, submitting complaints to the Prime Minister’s Office, state vigilance authorities, and the Principal Chief Conservator. They have demanded accountability and immediate intervention.

 

Khair wood commands a high price in the market, with big  trees fetching up to ₹1 lakh. However, felling of Khair trees is tightly regulated in Himachal Pradesh and permitted only under specific government orders. Cutting the species from forest bush category lands—whether government or private—is strictly prohibited.

 

Reports suggest that between January and April this year, the so-called forest mafia exploited permissions to cut dry trees from private land, using it as cover to fell healthy, green trees from government forests. In some cases, tree roots were allegedly dug up by going as deep as three feet below ground.

 

Locals further alleged that the forest department had given permission for only five trucks, but up to 150 vehicles were engaged in carrying wood from the forest, locals alleged. All three beats fall in the Ratnapur Forest Section.

After the felling took place, it was alleged, the trees was rolled down to the ravine and loaded on vehicles and sent to other states.