Two foresters suspended in teak tree felling case; panel moots dept probe Nagpur: Two forest department employees were suspended on January 16 in connection with the unauthorized cutting of 268 teak trees in the reserved forest of Wadgaon range, located in Yavatmal district. During a session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Wednesday, forest minister Ganesh Naik disclosed that the suspension was initiated by the deputy conservator of forests. A three-member inquiry panel, led by a retired divisional forest officer, was established to investigate the matter. The committee conducted interviews with the implicated staff, senior officers, and the complainant, reviewed relevant documentation, and submitted its findings to the Yavatmal chief conservator of forests on February 10. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing forest conservation laws, as the illegal felling of trees in protected areas continues to draw attention. The suspension of the two foresters underscores the administrative response to such violations, though the broader implications of the case remain under scrutiny. The inquiry panel’s report is expected to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the tree felling and the roles of those involved. The case also reflects the complexities of managing forest resources in regions where illegal logging persists despite legal frameworks. While the suspension of the officials represents a step toward accountability, it raises questions about the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to prevent such incidents. The involvement of a retired officer in the inquiry suggests a balance between administrative oversight and the need for impartial investigations.#maharashtra_legislative_assembly #yavatmal_district #ganesh_nai #wadgaon_range #forest_minister
Political Shield for Teak Smugglers? Row Erupts in Maharashtra Assembly A heated debate unfolded in the Maharashtra Assembly as leaders accused political figures of shielding organized teak wood smuggling gangs. During a Question Hour session, Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, alleged that local leaders were interfering with forest officials to protect smugglers. He cited a recent incident in Chandrapur where a junior forest officer seized two tractors carrying teak wood. However, the officer was reportedly forced to release the vehicles after a local leader allegedly stormed the office and verbally abused the staff. Wadettiwar condemned the interference, calling it a direct threat to law enforcement. He urged the government to equip forest personnel with weapons for self-defense and proposed analyzing call detail records (CDRs) of the accused and their associates to uncover a broader smuggling network. Responding to the allegations, forest minister Ganesh Naik assured the assembly that a thorough investigation would be launched. He stated that officials who compromised their duties by releasing the accused would face strict disciplinary action. Naik emphasized that CCTV footage from the area and CDRs of the involved parties would be scrutinized to trace the smuggling network. He vowed to dismantle any organized gang or criminal syndicate found to be involved in the illegal activity. The minister’s comments came amid growing concerns over the scale of teak smuggling, which has been a persistent issue in the state. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the role of local leaders in enabling illegal activities. Critics argue that political interference undermines environmental protection efforts and fuels corruption.#vijay_wadettiwar #chandrapur #maharashtra_assembly #ganesh_nai #teak_smuggling
