Himachal Pradesh News
77 Illegal Deodar Sleepers Seized in Himachal’s Pangi Valley Raid, Forest Department Tightens Crackdown
In a major crackdown against illegal logging, the Forest Department has seized 77 deodar wood sleepers during a raid in Warniyun village of the remote Pangi subdivision in Chamba district.
In a major crackdown against illegal logging, the Forest Department has seized 77 deodar wood sleepers during a raid in Warniyun village of the remote Pangi subdivision in Chamba district.
The operation comes just days after fresh incidents of illegal tree felling were reported in the region, raising concerns over forest conservation in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most ecologically sensitive zones.
Raid Conducted After Tip-Off
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, forest officials carried out search operations across seven residential properties on Saturday. The raid led to the recovery of both fresh and old deodar sleepers that were allegedly hidden inside homes.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ravi Guleria revealed that the action was initiated after a forest guard received credible information about illegally felled timber being concealed in the village.
To proceed legally, authorities obtained search warrants under Section 72 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which empowers forest officials to inspect premises suspected of storing illicit forest produce.
“Our team raided seven houses and recovered 77 deodar sleepers. The individuals questioned could not provide valid documents for the timber,” said Guleria.
Link to Recent Illegal Felling Case
Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized wood may be linked to a recent case of illegal felling reported on April 20 in the Warniyun forest under the Sach range. In that incident, several trees were illegally cut, and processed wood along with tree stumps was recovered by authorities.
Another similar case had earlier surfaced in the Chouri forest area, indicating a pattern of organized illegal logging activities in the region.
Legal Action Likely
Officials stated that a detailed damage assessment is currently underway. If the value of timber seized from any single property exceeds ₹10 lakh, an FIR will be registered against the concerned individuals.
An inquiry has been initiated into both recent incidents, with the Range Officer of Purthi heading the investigation team. The department has directed the panel to submit its findings within 15 days, while show-cause notices have already been issued to field staff.
Staff Shortage Hindering Forest Protection
Sources within the department highlighted a serious staff shortage as a major challenge in protecting forests in the remote Pangi Valley. Out of 23 sanctioned forest guard posts, nine remain vacant, while five out of seven Block Officer positions are also unfilled.
This manpower gap is reportedly affecting monitoring and enforcement efforts in the rugged terrain.
Balancing Local Needs and Conservation
Despite enforcement challenges, the Forest Department has taken steps to support local residents. In the financial year 2025–26, a record 145 Timber Distribution (TD) cases were approved.
The TD scheme allows eligible local residents—referred to as “right holders”—to access timber at subsidized rates for house construction, repair, or cattle sheds under regulated conditions.
Call for Public Support
Forest authorities have urged residents to cooperate with conservation efforts and report any suspicious activities. Officials emphasized that protecting forest resources is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable use for future generations.
