Jaipur, Jan. 14 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has taken serious note of large-scale illegal tree felling and misappropriation of forest resources in a reserved forest area of Rajasthan. It directed strict action against erring officials and ordered a confidential probe into the matter. The tribunal heard an application filed by Rajendra Tiwari and others. It observed that encroachers illegally removed about 500 quintals of wood from 674 beehga (around 10.67 hectares) of reserved forest land. They used 10 to 15 JCB machines in gross violation of environmental laws. The illegal activity took place in November 2025. Forest department staff tried to stop the operation, but the encroachers allegedly threatened them and nearly ran them over with the machinery. The individuals fled the spot with the machines, leaving behind widespread destruction of forest land. The bench, comprising justice Sheo Kumar Singh (judicial member) and Ishwar Singh (expert member), recorded serious allegations of negligence and complicity against certain forest officials. Inquiry reports indicated that the regional forest officer and assistant conservator of forests not only permitted the illegal uprooting of trees but also actively participated in the misappropriation of forest resources. The NGT directed the PCCF, Rajasthan, to take immediate action against all delinquent officials involved directly or indirectly. The next hearing is scheduled for April 12, 2026....