1700 trees illegally felled in Palitana forest, staff suspended, vehicles seized

In a case of alleged forest crime, around 1,700 trees were illegally chopped in the Rajsthali area of Palitana in Bhavnagar district.

The details shared by Forest department show foresters and beat guards from the region directly involved in cutting down the trees. The accused officials have been suspended and produced before a local court, where they were remanded to 15 days of judicial custody.

The felled trees include Israeli acacia, neem, and gugal species. The movement of Asiatic lions in the vicinity has raised serious concerns over wildlife habitat destruction.

A JCB machine and a truck used in the operation were seized from the spot. Preliminary investigation suggests the cut timber was being supplied to two factories in the region.

The Forest department has launched a detailed probe into the suspected illegal trade and possible larger conspiracy. The incident has triggered outrage among environmentalists and local communities, with demands for strict action to protect the ecologically sensitive Gir forest fringes.