A major attempt to smuggle khair wood was foiled by the Wildlife Department in Yamunanagar district after officials intercepted a utility vehicle allegedly carrying the timber illegally.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of around 20 quintals of khair wood. The department seized both the vehicle and the recovered timber.
According to officials, a team of the Wildlife Department received information that a utility vehicle loaded with khair wood would soon pass through the Faizpur village area.
Acting on the tip-off, the team set up a checkpoint and began checking vehicles. During the operation, a suspicious utility vehicle approached the checkpoint. Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly broke through the barricade and sped towards Pratap Nagar town.
The team chased the vehicle and eventually intercepted it near the grain market in Pratap Nagar. However, sensing imminent arrest, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled from the spot.
Following the interception, officials searched the vehicle and recovered around 20 quintals of khair wood. The timber and the vehicle were seized, and an investigation was launched.
Wildlife Inspector Rajbir Singh said the checkpoint had been established near Faizpur village after receiving specific information about the movement of a vehicle suspected of carrying illegal timber.
He said that although the driver attempted to evade capture by breaking through the checkpoint, the vehicle was successfully intercepted near Pratap Nagar.
A complaint has been lodged with the police for further legal action, he added.
“The department has intensified night patrols and checking operations to curb timber smuggling in the region. Surveillance and enforcement activities will continue to prevent such illegal activities and protect forest resources,” said Singh.
According to officials, khair wood is used to produce katha, a key ingredient in paan, and is also used in several Ayurvedic medicines.
