The Wildlife Department in Yamunanagar district successfully thwarted a significant attempt to smuggle khair wood, intercepting a utility vehicle allegedly carrying the timber illegally. Officials recovered approximately 20 quintals of khair wood from the vehicle, which was subsequently seized along with the timber.
Operation Details
According to officials, a team from the Wildlife Department received intelligence that a utility vehicle loaded with khair wood was expected to pass through the Faizpur village area. Acting on this tip-off, the team set up a checkpoint and began inspecting vehicles. During the operation, a suspicious utility vehicle approached the checkpoint. Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly broke through the barricade and sped towards Pratap Nagar town.
The team pursued the vehicle and eventually intercepted it near the grain market in Pratap Nagar. However, sensing imminent arrest, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Following the interception, officials searched the vehicle and recovered around 20 quintals of khair wood. The timber and the vehicle were seized, and an investigation was launched.
Official Statements
Wildlife Inspector Rajbir Singh stated that the checkpoint had been established near Faizpur village after receiving specific information about the movement of a vehicle suspected of carrying illegal timber. He noted that although the driver attempted to evade capture by breaking through the checkpoint, the vehicle was successfully intercepted near Pratap Nagar. A complaint has been lodged with the police for further legal action, he added.
“The department has intensified night patrols and checking operations to curb timber smuggling in the region. Surveillance and enforcement activities will continue to prevent such illegal activities and protect forest resources,” said Singh.
Uses of Khair Wood
According to officials, khair wood is used to produce katha, a key ingredient in paan, and is also utilized in several Ayurvedic medicines. The timber is highly sought after, making it a target for illegal logging and smuggling operations.
The Wildlife Department's swift action underscores its commitment to combating illegal timber trade and preserving forest resources. The seized wood and vehicle will be held as evidence as the investigation proceeds.
