PONDA: There has been clandestine trafficking of Catechu wood along the less-traveled route from Kumbharwada, Sacorda, to Shel-Melauli, Guleli. In an operation conducted by the Valpoi forest department on Saturday night, several individuals were apprehended while in possession of Catechu wood. Subsequently, both the wood and the vehicle used for transportation were seized by the authorities.
Senegalia catechu, a thorny deciduous tree native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, serves as the source of this illicit trade.
Local residents have vehemently asserted that the Sacorda area is a notorious route frequently utilized for smuggling of high-value timber. Urging the concerned authorities to heighten surveillance along this road, they demand immediate action to curb such illegal activities.
Following the vehicle seizure on Saturday night, forest officials returned to the scene the next morning to conduct further investigations. Additionally, residents have reported instances of wealthy individuals openly transporting smuggled wood during daylight, in luxurious vehicles. One local resident voiced concerns over the escalating timber smuggling in Sacorda over the past five years, attributing the phenomenon to the patronage of influential political and government figures.
Furthermore, the area has witnessed incidents of wildlife poaching, exemplified by a recent viral image of an injured wild boar reportedly harmed by a locally manufactured explosive device. Despite efforts by the Kulem forest department to apprehend the perpetrators through a search operation conducted two months ago, no arrests have been made, highlighting the challenges in combating such criminal activities.
