Kathua Forest Department Seizes Illicit Khair Wood in Late-Night Anti-Smuggling Operation

KATHUA | January 28, 2026In a major crackdown on timber smuggling, the Forest Department of Kathua successfully foiled a late-night attempt to transport illicit Khair wood (Acacia catechu) near Rouri village.

Acting on specific intelligence, the Block Officer of Budhi and his field staff intercepted a Tata Yodha load carrier (Registration No. JK08L-1637) at approximately 11:55 PM on January 27. Upon a thorough inspection of the vehicle, officials discovered 15 billets of Khair wood being transported in direct violation of established forest regulations.

The vehicle and the contraband were immediately seized under the relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and moved to the Forest Complex in Kathua for further legal proceedings.The successful operation was conducted under the close supervision of Range Officer Neetan Khajuria and the overall guidance of Divisional Forest Officer Ankit Sinha.

This seizure marks a significant win for local conservation efforts, as Khair wood is highly valued and strictly regulated under SRO 111 of 2016.

Departmental officials have attributed the success to the seamless coordination between the Revenue Department, the Police, and the Forest Protection Force.

Moving forward, the department has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal felling or timber transportation to help preserve the district’s natural resources.