Una (HP), March 19 -- A case of large-scale illegal felling of Khair trees has come to light in the government forest within the Jhamber Panchayat of Himachal Pradesh's Una district.
Within a span of just two to three days, a "forest mafia" has cut down approximately 1,000 Khair trees, virtually clearing out the forest area. The value of the felled trees is estimated to be in the crores of rupees.
Locals express astonishment that, despite illegal felling occurring on such a massive scale, the Forest Department remained completely oblivious to the situation.
Villagers allege that they had previously alerted the department regarding the mafia's activities in the forest, yet no concrete action was taken. On Wednesday, when villagers inspect...