Forest Department Cracks Down on 27 Illegal Sawmills in Pune, Solapur
Forest Department Cracks Down on 27 Illegal Sawmills in Pune, Solapur (representative Image )
The forest department has taken stringent action against 27 illegally operating sawmills in Pune and Solapur districts as part of a special drive conducted between February 28 and March 20.
During the operation, 12 cases were registered by the Bhamburda range forest officer in Pimpri Chinchwad, while 15 cases were filed by the mobile squad under the Pune forest circle office. Authorities also took action against several companies involved in illegal tree cutting and unauthorized wood storage. Additionally, three vehicles carrying wood illegally were seized.
“We have registered cases against individuals and companies involved. A detailed report on the quantity of seized wood is being prepared,” said Tukaram Jadhav, range forest officer, Sangola, leading the mobile squad.
Highlighting the action in Pimpri Chinchwad, Manoj Barbole, range forest officer of the Bhamburda division, stated, “Around 900 tonnes of material were seized from illegal mills. Cases have been registered against 12 mill owners, and further investigation is underway.”
The investigation revealed that sawmills primarily cater to the demand from hotels, the packaging industry, and household use. These illegal units not only fuel deforestation but also threaten indigenous tree species such as neem, tamarind, khair (Senegalia catechu), teak, and sandalwood. Additionally, pine wood is being smuggled to meet market demands.
The forest department has intensified monitoring efforts to curb such illegal operations and prevent further ecological damage.
