Sandalwood forests are steadily on the decline in the Similipal National Park.
The sandalwood trees are spread over some 30 acres of land in the Panchpeedh sub-division of Mayurbhanj. About a decade ago, these precious plants began emerging here quite naturally and now there are thousands of these plants and trees found here.
More importantly, the sandalwood plants are all white sandalwood, a type which is much in demand the world over. Further, the precious white sandalwood patch is surrounded by river Khairibhandan on all sides, lending it the look of a beautiful island.
But unfortunately, the sandalwood mafias have, of late, begun targeting the area and are smuggling off the precious trees rampantly.
Asked, Karanjia ACF Baidyanath Majhi expressed his helplessness in the matter saying the sandalwood area does not come under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.
Now there is a growing public concern as regards the protection and conservation of these naturally-grown yet immensely-valuable sandalwood trees.
And, many in the enlightened circles in the district presently apprehend that if steps were not taken to stop the smuggling, the entire sandalwood forests will be rendered bald.