from BBS. LOOKS LIKE SOMETHNG IS SERIOUSLY GOING WRONG. THERE WERE STORIES IN BHUTAN OBSERVER, KOL AND BT ABOUT SIMILAR ACTIVITIES IN PARO AND HA. HOPE BHUTAN ENVIROMENT IS NOT UNDERGOING CHANGE.

2007, July 13: Illegal extraction of teak is rampant in Samdrup Jongkhar. Forestry officials say the crime is committed by people from across the border in collusion with the Bhutanese people.

In a recent incident, forestry officials in Samdrup Jongkhar say they have been able to confiscate 23 teak logs and about 32 planks following a tip-off. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of 5th July.

The chief forestry officer in Samdrupjongkhar, Kaka Tshering said based on the information they have gathered and circumstantial evidence, they suspect the involvement of police personnel.

BBS also requested the RBP for an interview. They denied the accusation.

The chief forestry officer said the case was under investigation. Forestry officials say despite regular patrolling they are not able to curb the illegal extraction of teak. “Because of the large area and the limited personnel we are not able to curb the illegal extraction fully.

However, it has come down as compared to earlier years,” said Kaka Tshering. Since 2005, some 368 cases of illegal felling and transportation of timber have been detected by the forest department.

Forestry officials said most of the illegal felling and transportation takes place under the cover of darkness and at times when there is heavy downpour.