Maharashtra News: Activist Alleges Illegal Tree Felling, Mining In Pen Taluka’s Kharoshi; Forest Department Under Fire For Inaction

Local activist has alleged of illegal tree felling in the Kharoshi Gram Panchayat limits of Pen Taluka and gross negligence by the Forest Department.

Age old trees such as teak, mango, and other wild species were reportedly felled over the past two days in Survey Numbers 208 B, 41, 43/1, 43/2, 44/1, 44/2, and 45/2 in Mouje Kharoshi. Despite the scale of the activity, no action is stated to have been taken by the concerned forest authorities.

Social activist and resident Santosh Thakur has lodged an official complaint with the Maharashtra Government’s Aaple Sarkar portal on June 29, wherein he has questioned whether the Forest Department is deliberately ignoring such violations.

The activist has addressed the concern to the Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Forest Department. "The incident has raised serious concerns about the recurring deforestation in the area, allegedly linked to ongoing minor mineral excavation activities within the gram panchayat," he said.

Thakur In his submission, has also highlighted illegal stone quarrying in Mouje Ghotmal, within Survey Numbers 88/23, 88/24, 88/25, and 88/26—areas classified as non-permissible for forest-related work.

According to Thakur, a road has been constructed through these restricted zones to facilitate the transport of minor minerals, with hundreds of heavy vehicles using the route daily. "Yet, the Pen Range Forest Officer hasvfailed to register any criminal case or halt the illegal transportation," remarked the activist.

Thakur has called for immediate action against the Pen Range Forest Officer and the forest guard at Kharpada Forest Division for failing to prevent and act against these violations.

Range forest officer Kuldeep Patkar said that regular patrolling are conducted and there are no illegal mining or tree cutting happening, nevertheless if any such activities are happening due action will be taken. " I am aware about the complaints raised and investigation are underway," he said.