Home / Environment / Gujarat Forest Reserve Razed: 1,690 Trees Illegally Felled
Gujarat Forest Reserve Razed: 1,690 Trees Illegally Felled
21 May
Summary
- Approximately 1,690 trees were felled in Gujarat's Rajasthali Vidi forest reserve.
- Forestry staff have been suspended following the discovery of the illegal logging operation.
- The protected forest is a vital habitat for lions, leopards, and other wildlife.
A significant illegal logging operation has been discovered within the protected Rajasthali Vidi forest reserve in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Forest personnel are facing action after approximately 1,690 trees, including Israeli babool, neem, and gugal, were allegedly felled inside the 563-hectare reserve. This protected area serves as a critical habitat and movement corridor for various wildlife species, including lions, leopards, and chinkaras.
The case came to light on May 9 when authorities intercepted a truck loaded with illegally felled timber. A wider investigation into organized tree felling within the reserve was subsequently launched, revealing the extensive damage through a video released by the forest department. A JCB machine and another transport vehicle were also seized.
Forester Karshan Gohil and Beat Guard Kalpesh Dabhi have been suspended and, along with alleged laborers and the truck owner, were remanded to 15 days of judicial custody. Cases have been formally registered, and investigators are tracing the destination of the timber, with initial indications pointing towards local sawmills, charcoal units, and industrial facilities. The large-scale tree loss has intensified concerns over habitat disruption in this sensitive wildlife zone.
