PONDA: Collem forest officials inspected the forest at Bhomakato, Kumbharwada on Wednesday, after O Heraldo published a report on Kubharwada-Shel Melauli route being used for illegal trade of Catechu tree wood.
The officials found that Catechu trees, commonly known as Khair in the local language, were felled in large numbers in the forest and the sources said that the smugglers involved in the illegal activities have tried to safeguard themselves by contacting political leaders.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
After Valpoi forest department took action at Gulelli against a few persons who were smuggling Catechu wood, locals had suspected that the vehicle was using the route which passes via Sacorda. During the inspection by Collem forest officials, they found that many Khair trees were felled in Bhomakato forest which is far from Kumbharwada village.
According to the local sources, the smugglers use a luxury vehicle for the transportation of the wood. Locals also claimed that most probably the smugglers will find a way to navigate the officials since they are politically well connected.
It may be recalled that O Heraldo had published a report stating that the Shel-Melauli to Kumbharwada route which connects Sacorda panchayat with Guleli panchayat, is used for smuggling rare wood since the area is forested and is not frequented by vehicles.
