Brakes On Illegal Timber Trade

The Supreme Court has issued 12 directions to curb the rampant smuggling of timber and finished wood products from the northeastern states to the rest of the country via West Bengal. These were issued after the court received the report of the special investigative team appointed by it recently.

According to the orders, the movement of timber shall be permitted only on the indent of the district forest officer on an application made by the registered timber transporter.

In case any illegal timber is found to be transported, it will be open to take action against the officer under whose supervision the seal has been affixed on the railwagon. If the seals are tampered with, the railways also can be proceeded against.

Movement of timber and its products outside the Northeast shall be permitted only if sourced from or processed by the high-powered committee, except in the case of Mizoram where movement shall be regulated according to the guidelines prescribed by the special investigative team.

Felling of trees shall be only in accordance with the working plans or felling schemes approved by the ministry of forests according to the court