Gurgaon: A routine inspection by the divisional forest officer found illegal tree felling in the Alipur-Shikargarh reserved forest area in Faridabad, triggering an investigation that led to the recovery of large quantities of timber from Punhana and the suspension of three forest department personnel.“The illegal activity had been going on for over seven days in the reserved forest area. Large Vilayati Kikar, which were more than 30 years old, were chopped. These were very dense trees,” Rahul Bhadana, a resident, told TOI.As part of the investigation, a forest department team went to Punhana, known for its large sawmill market, to look for timber sourced from the reserved forest. The team found large heaps of wood stored on an open plot adjoining the wood market. The timber was identified as originating from govt-owned trees in Faridabad and seized. It was subsequently transported back in around eight to 10 trucks.The recovery has brought the movement of timber from the reserved forest area into focus. The department has constituted an investigation committee to assess the extent of illegal felling, establish the number of trees cut and determine the damage caused to the forest. Further investigation is underway.The inspection report submitted by the deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Faridabad, after examining the Alipur-Shikargarh beat, flagged large-scale illegal felling in the area.On Nov 12, the principal chief conservator of forests, Haryana, suspended Afzal Khan, a ranger, with immediate effect. Two foresters, Ankit and Sandeep, were also suspended following the findings.“Around 20 acres of forest land has been cleared of large trees. The affected forest area has now several cut tree trunks and large stumps, with branches and timber scattered across the forest floor. Some stretches show extensive ground disturbance and vehicle tracks,” said Bhadana.The forest department is now assessing how many trees were felled and the extent of damage to the reserved forest. “The investigation is also expected to establish how the timber was removed from the forest and transported to the storage site in Punhana,” said a forest official.“Felling mature trees in a reserved forest causes damage that cannot be reversed simply by planting new saplings. These trees support birds and other wildlife, provide nesting and feeding habitats, and help maintain the ecological balance of the forest. The loss of mature trees also affects the continuity of the habitat. Restoration of such a forest takes years, sometimes decades. The priority should be to establish the scale of destruction, fix accountability and ensure that the remaining forest is protected,” said Sunil Harsana, an ecologist.
