Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 01: As part of its regular patrolling and continuous forest protection duties, the South Andaman Forest Division continues to maintain strict vigilance to prevent illegal felling. During the routing patrolling conducted by the Manglutan and Jirkatang Ranges on 01.09.2026, illegally sawn timber was detected and seized from two separate locations.
In Manglutan Range, a team comprising Mr. Jhantu Das, Head Forest Guard, Mr. Sajan Gope, Forest Guard and the departmental workers conducted routing patrolling in the Amdera area of Rutland. During the patrolling the team detected and seized 37 pcs of Padauk Sawn timber measuring approximately 0.974cbm. The timber was seized in accordance with the prescribed procedure and handed over to the Beat Officer, Anarkali Beat, Rutland for safe custody and an unknown case was registered as per relevant provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Similarly, in Jirkatang Range, a team comprising Mr. K Kalyan Kumar, Forester, along with departmental workers, during routine patrolling in the Miltilak Beat Reserve Forest Area detected 05 pieces of illegally hand sawn teak timber measuring approximately 0.087cbm. After completion of the patrolling operation, the team handed over the seized illegal hand sawn timber to the CO (HQ) Mile Tilak for safe custody and an unknown case was registered as per relevant provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927.
The operations were conducted under the overall supervision of Mr. Rajee George, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman Forest Division, and under the guidance of Mr. R.S. Sharath, Assistant Conservator of Forests, and the concerned Range Officer ie, Mr. Amalendu Mandal, Forest Ranger, RO(Manglutan) and Mr. Anthoney Tirkey, Forest Ranger, RO(Jirkatang).
The South Andaman Forest Division reiterates its appeal to the general public to cooperate in safeguarding the forests and wildlife of the Islands and to report any information regarding illegal hunting, possession, transportation, storage or trade of forest and wildlife produce through the Helpline No. 03192-255228. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
