Satti-led Himachal BJP ‘probe committee’ finds massive illegal timber felling scandal in Dharampur

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DHARAMPUR/MANDI, December 30
A three-member “investigation committee” formed by the Himachal Pradesh BJP, led by Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti, “inspected” alleged illegal timber storage sites in Dharampur’s Bheri village on Sunday.
The BJP’s internal investigation revealed alleged large-scale unauthorised logging and the storage of protected wood species, raising serious concerns about environmental damage and possible political involvement.

‘Illegal timber and concealment efforts’

During the inspection, the team found prohibited timber species, including mango, peepal and banyan, dumped at various locations.
Locals alleged that at night, heavy machinery, including JCBs, was used to transport and bury timber along the Beas near the Sidhpur-Siyoh road. Five such sites were identified where large quantities of timber were concealed.
“Hundreds of truckloads of timber have been stored here without proper documentation or permits. The failure of the Forest Department to seal this wood raises doubts about its functioning. This operation is clearly backed by political patronage,” said Satti.

Political links suspected

The committee’s findings suggest the “involvement of influential individuals in the illegal logging operation”.
Satti alleged, “This scale of illegal activity cannot occur without political protection. The Forest Department and local authorities appear paralysed, failing to take action against those responsible.”
The investigation revealed that no owner of the timber depot could be identified on-site. When questioned, forest officials failed to provide satisfactory answers, further fuelling suspicions of negligence or complicity.

Flouting forestry laws

Satti outlined the legal requirements for felling trees, including permits and inspections by the Forest Department, which were blatantly disregarded in this case. He also pointed out that none of the logs bore official hammer marks, a mandatory procedure to identify legally felled timber.
“The absence of compliance with forestry laws and the unchecked movement of timber highlight a systematic failure,” Satti said.

Calls for immediate action

Addressing journalists at the Dhaulai rest house after the inspection, Satti demanded strict action against those involved. “The government must take cognizance of this matter and act against the perpetrators, no matter how powerful they are. This illegal logging is not just an environmental issue—it’s a blot on the state’s integrity,” he said.
He also stressed the need for police and judicial intervention, noting that the Himachal Pradesh High Court has already taken suo moto notice of similar cases across the state.

Sunil Chadda

Sunil Chadda

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