Illegal felling of trees continues unabated in the Shaleen forest area of Kullu district, with the timber mafia taking a liking for Deodar trees near Kanyal and Simsa villages. 


On Sunday, HT saw the mafia using chainsaws to bring down trees across Sarodh nullah. In the absence of a patrolling team from the forest department, the wood-cutters continued throughout the day. Contacted, Manali range forest officer assured of coming down heavily on the timber mafia active in the district. "We will take immediate action against those involved in the illegal felling of trees," he said.

The residents of Shaleen and Nasogi villages, meanwhile, demanded the forest department to nab the accused and seize the chainsaws. They also demanded the forest department to seize the illegally felled timber.