Crackdown on illegal wood smuggling, fine of ₹ 4.45 lakh during action
GANGTOK: Acting on credible information from local public sources regarding illicit transit of timber, the Gangtok Range of Gangtok (Territorial) Division, Forest and Environment Department, successfully apprehended an individual following a meticulously planned operation.
The interception took place on July 3 at around 9 pm near Khelground, Reshithang Bridge, Ranka. The night patrol team was led by Binod Chettri, Range Officer (T) Gangtok, informs an official press release.
During the inspection, a timber consignment was recovered. The cargo was being transported illegally, lacking both a valid transit permit and the mandatory official timber hammer mark. Consequently, the vehicle and timber were seized and placed in safe custody at the Range Office, Forest Colony Baluwakhani in Gangtok.
A Forest Offence case was subsequently registered under the relevant sections of Sikkim Forests, Water Courses, River Reserve (Preservation and Protection) Act, 1988. The accused admitted to committing the offence and requested for compounding of the matter, said the Forest Department.
The competent authority compounded the offence under Section 74 of the Act. A penalty of Rs 4,45,000 was imposed and successfully realized as Government revenue, the release states.
In the interest of conserving and protecting the rich ecological wealth of Sikkim, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim, appeals to public to abide by the State’s existing forest laws and to discreetly share any information regarding forest offences. Forest Department also has a toll-free number 1926 for the convenience of general public, the release mentions.
