Maple Tree Smuggling: Himri Forest in Sunni Tehsil Under Scrutiny.

Four Nepalese caught by villagers  Disappeared under Mysterious Circumstances... The villagers also seek intervention of PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh who is MLA from Shimla Rural as Himri falls in his segment.

Shimla - Maple mafia has been mauling maple-rich Himri Forest in Sunni tehsil of Shimla district. Locals had caught four Nepali men allegedly involved in the smuggling of maple tree wood.

But when they were handed over the forest staff  these accused disappeared from the custody of forest staff as they allegedly tried a cover-up exercise to save their own skin, charged villagers.

Villagers say that the dense forest of Chaprani, Dapka, and Phula Galani, Saraiya Dalah, a part of Himri Block face threat from forest mafias

The  four  Nepalese who were felling maple  trees deep in the forest to get its extract smuggled to outside markets remained a mystery as under whose direction they were operating fearlessly in the forest. The connivance cannot be ruled out, the villagers charged.  

The incident, occurring on the night of July 1, has sparked serious allegations against the forest department which has not deputed the desired staff on the ground.

"We saw these men chopping down the maple trees and promptly formed two teams to apprehend them,” said a local resident.

"We caught four Nepalese with axes and knots of the maple wood, which they intended to smuggle out".

In a twist, the villagers reported that Range Officer Bhajji and his team arrived but suspiciously released the Nepali suspects after a brief questioning.

This incident has raised eyebrows among the locals, especially since similar allegations of forest smuggling surfaced in Rampur a few days prior.

Money Changing Hands?

Eyewitnesses and local sources allege that a hefty sum was involved in the cover-up. This is not the first time we have seen such corruption,” claimed villagers.

The forest staff in incharge of beat  instead of protecting our forests, seems to be aiding the smuggling racket.”,  alleged VP Singh, Himri Activist,   who is leading the anti-maple Mafia Crusade in the Himri jungles. 

But the forest staff dismissed allegations saying that they were given additional charge of the areas. The Nepalese fled under cover of darkness before we could take them to police station, they told the villagers. 

The smuggled maple wood is believed to be dispatched to the Saharanpur Mandi** in Uttar Pradesh, where it fetches a hefty price.

The wood, prized for its quality, is in great demand for various home wares, particularly for the intricate joints used in traditional furniture and decor.

Recurrent Problem

This is the second such incident reported recently. In the Rampur forest similar activities were recorded, with Nepali smugglers involved in the illegal felling of Rakhal trees.

“Despite having caught them red-handed last year, they seem to be operating with impunity,” lamented  a local activist.

Villagers are now stepping up their vigilance and have filed a complaint in the vigilance department as well as a civil writ petition to address the issue.

“We want strict action against these illegal activities,” urged villagers. Forests  are our lifeline; we can’t afford to lose them to such illegal smuggling.”

The Sunni Police Station has been approached for further investigation. Villagers are now waiting for a strong response from the forest  authorities to curb the ongoing menace of maple tree smuggling and ensure the protection of their forest heritage. 

Meanwhile the forest department has taken cognizance of the incidents and  learnt to have  filed police complaint  and promising to bring culprits to justice.