Doda, July 23 -- In a major crackdown on forest-related crimes, the Forest Department in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhaderwah has intensified its drive against timber smuggling and illegal logging. Over the last two months, officials have registered 52 Forest Offences Cases and seized 22 illegal mechanical cutters used for unauthorised tree felling.

In addition to the machinery, dozens of illegally smuggled Deodar wood scants were also recovered during multiple operations carried out across Neeru and Chiralla Range Forest of Bhaderwah Division. These high-value timber logs were reportedly being transported in violation of forest regulations, pointing to the continued activity of the so-called forest mafia in the region.

With environmental degr...