THE Jabalpur General Forest Division has executed a significant operation against the forest-related crimes, resulting in the seizure of a vehicle involved in the unauthorised transportation of sand from protected areas. During a routine patrol following the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) activities in the Panagar Forest Range, the authorities intercepted a tractor-trolley in the Chhatarpur Beat, specifically within the RF70 Reserved Forest area.

 

The accused and the vehicle were involved in transporting sand without the mandatory valid transit permits required by law. Acting on the directives of Chief Conservator of Forests (Jabalpur Circle) Kamal Arora, Divisional Forest Officer, Rishi Mishra and Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (Sihora) M L Varkade, forest officials, transitioned the seized vehicle and its cargo to the Panagar Forest Range Depot for secure impoundment.

 

A case was registered under the Madhya Pradesh Transit (Forest Produce) Rules, 2022. The Department has confirmed that statutory legal proceedings against the offenders are currently underway. The success of this intervention was attributed to the vigilance of the Chhatarpur Circle staff.

 

Forest Guard Mohit Mishra received specific commendation for his proactive role in identifying and halting the illegal transit. The Jabalpur General Forest Division has reiterated its commitment to maintaining rigorous surveillance and imposing strict penalties to eliminate illegal excavation and transportation activities within the region’s reserved forests.