A shocking revelation has come to light about large-scale illegal cutting of teakwood trees in Maharashtra. Data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act shows that more than 98,000 teak trees have been illegally felled across the State between 2021 and early 2026. The information, accessed by activist Abhay Kolarkar, highlights a growing and organised network involved in timber smuggling. According to records from the Maharashtra Forest Department, illegal tree-cutting has shifted from small-scale local use to a well-planned criminal activity targeting valuable teakwood, often called ‘green gold’.

 

The year-wise data shows the alarming scale of teak tree loss. In 2021 alone, 31,310 teak trees were illegally cut. The trend continued in the following years, with 25,379 teak trees in 2023, 26,674 in 2024, and 15,377 trees in 2025 (till September). These numbers indicate that teak remains the primary target for smugglers despite slight fluctuations in total tree loss. Certain regions have emerged as major hotspots. In 2025, the Nagpur Forest Circle reported the loss of 3,031 trees, while Chandrapur recorded a much higher 9,827 trees lost to illegal felling. The financial damage caused by this activity is also significant. Officials estimate that losses due to illegal tree cutting have crossed Rs 2,993 lakh over the past five years.