Unidentified timber thieves axed two green teak trees in the Tanda area of Terai central forest division on Monday night but were unable to take away the timber. The incident has raised questions at the security measures claimed to have been undertaken by the Forest Department.
According to information received from sources, local villagers who had gone to the forest in Tanda area adjoining ward number one to answer nature’s call on Tuesday morning discovered that two teak trees had been axed. Ten pieces of timber of these trees were concealed in the jungle nearby. The locals informed the Forest Department personnel about the discovery after which forester Tara Datt Semwal and Ummed Mishra reached the site and took possession of the timber. The value of the timber deposited in the department office compound is estimated to be about Rs one lakh. A case has been registered by the department officials and investigations have been started into this incident. However, questions are also being raised about the efficiency of the forest department in ensuring the desired level of security in the forests.