By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th April 2025: A shocking wave of illegal deforestation has exposed glaring lapses in the Forest department’s vigilance in Karbook subdivision. This alarming revelation, centered on the cutting down of several valuable trees from a reserved forest has stirred local communities and raised serious questions about the role of forest officials.
The incident reportedly took place under the very nose of the Karbook Subdivision Forest Officer’s office, took place while forest workers were purportedly asleep. Locals reveal that eight to nine valuable trees were felled, smuggled out and processed elsewhere without any intervention from Forest department staff. Locals, frustrated by the department’s apparent inaction, allege that the sound of wood-cutting machines went unnoticed by on-duty personnel.
“Even in cases where individuals have been penalized for as little as cutting a tree branch for firewood, this blatant destruction of the green canopy has occurred without so much as a reprimand,” commented a resident of the area, who don’t wished to be named.
Investigating the incident, media personnel arrived at the site and confirmed the illegal activity. However, their presence led to Forest robbers fleeing the scene before further evidence could be collected. The media sought clarity from officials at the Jatanbari Forest Protection Unit regarding the apparent daylight destruction of the reserved forests. Yet, when approached, the forester in charge, Chinmoy Malakar, refused to cooperate and reportedly pleaded with folded hands, stating he was unable to comment.
This evasion has fueled accusations of corruption among forest workers. Locals allege that forest employees are colluding with forest robbers, leading to an unprecedented depletion of the state’s verdant forest reserves. “The protectors are now predators,” declared an outraged local activist, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Residents are demanding accountability from the Forest department to safeguard the region’s ecological wealth. As the state’s green cover continues to diminish, this issue highlights the urgent need for vigilance, transparency, and stronger enforcement of environmental protections.
