No action in Bhandara teak tree felling scam

Nagpur: Controversies in Bhandara forest division under Nagpur Circle just refuse to end. In the latest, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) NR Pravin appears to be trying to scuttle a probe into an illicit teak felling scam involving over 41 trees on private land. Sources said that on December 11, 2015, Bhandara mobile squad had intercepted three trucks near Kardha check-post carrying finished teakwood.During investigations, one of the accused Sanjay Nagalwade admitted that apart from trees felled with prior permission from the forest department, there was also wood from trees felled illegally.
Based on this statement, assistant conservator of forests (ACF) MK Gokhale ordered a probe and found that the trees were cut on land owned by Tukaram Dighore of Pendhri. The probe revealed that though permission was granted to fell only 117 teak trees to three farmers, Tukaram Dighore, Urmila Landge and Dama Gidmare of Pohra and Isapur, another 41 teak trees were felled illegally along with these 117, with the involvement of foresters.
Shockingly, the illicitly cut wood bears seal of ACF DJ Lute and transit pass permission was granted by DyCF Pravin. Talking to TOI, DyCF Pravin admitted that Lute should not have put hammer marks on the illegally chopped timber.
When asked about the action taken against Lute, Pravin said divisional forest officer (DFO) for vigilance Kewal Dongre is inquiring into the matter and has issued notice to ACF Lute. “After Lute’s statement is recorded, the inquiry report will be submitted to CCF, Nagpur, for further action,” Pravin said. Shockingly, DFO Dongre said he is not conducting any inquiry. “I’ve no knowledge about it,” he said.
TOI is in possession of an inquiry report by RFO Sanjay Meshram, who admits that 41 trees were cut illegally. Interestingly, Meshram who is only a junior officer, was asked to conduct the investigation into the matter.
The illicitly chopped timber has been seized while the trucks and wood felled from legally cut trees have been released.
This is not the first such case. In October 2015, TOI had exposed irregularities related to bamboo plantations worth Rs 60 lakh on 25 hectare forest land in Compartment 47 in Pitesur. However, no action was taken against those involved.
Two months ago, in a similar case of illicit felling in Paoni range near Ramtek, a forester was suspended by CCF TSK Reddy. He had also recommended suspension of in charge ACF KZ Rathod. On action against Lute, Reddy said, “I’ve not seen the report. Let it come, those found guilty will be punished.”