Sal forest cover in Bastar region are decreasing at a rapid pace as forest mafia are felling live trees and depleting the forest resource for commercial gain.
Despite media reports, the State Forest department has taken no concrete steps to curb the menace. Cutting trees and exporting them out of the State takes place quickly. Mostly, trees with straight and thick trunks are picked by the mafia for felling. Reportedly, the mafia lure the villagers in their plan by promising them to give the land that is deforested. They also give a part of their profit to the villagers that come after selling of the Sal trees.
The illegal cutting of these valuable forests takes place even as the forest and administrative officers visit the areas. When contacted, Range Officer Manohar Singh Nag said, “We had made several arrangements to curb illegal cutting of trees. However, the activity has begun again. We will soon hold a departmental meeting in this regard and also spread awareness among the villagers.”